Why did police open fire at an anti-war protest?

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SUMMARY

On Monday morning, police opened fire with non-lethal weapons, including wooden dowels and "sting balls," at an anti-war protest outside the Port of Oakland, resulting in injuries to at least six demonstrators and six longshoremen. Approximately 400 to 500 protesters attempted to disrupt operations at military cargo terminals, leading to police intervention when some protesters refused to disperse. Deputy Police Chief Patrick Haw stated that the police acted to protect public safety after protesters allegedly threw rocks and iron bolts at officers. The decision to use force was deemed necessary to maintain order and uphold the law in a volatile situation.

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Alias
[SOLVED] The Price of Freedom

From http://news.google.com

Police open fire at anti-war protest, longshoremen injured
San Jose Mercury News - 15 minutes ago
Police opened fire Monday morning with wooden dowels, ``sting balls'' and other non-lethal weapons at anti-war protesters outside the Port of Oakland, injuring at least six demonstrators and six longshoremen standing nearby.

Ouch! The price of freedom kinda hurts, doesn't it?
 
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Unfortunate event, but they were not peaceful protesters.

from the article you cited..
http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/news/special_packages/iraq/5578918.htm

About 400 to 500 protesters tried to disrupt operations at two terminals of companies they say ship military cargo for the Department of Defense. Most of the protesters dispersed, but when some refused, police began shooting wooden bullets into the crowd.
...
``Some people were blocking port property and the port authorities asked us to move them off,'' said Deputy Police Chief Patrick Haw. ``Police moved aggressively against crowds because some people threw rocks and big iron bolts at officers.''
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The decision to open fire at an anti-war protest is a complex one and can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the situation. However, in general, police will use force if they feel that the safety of themselves or others is at risk. In this case, it is likely that the police saw the protest as a potential threat to the safety of the longshoremen and other bystanders, and felt that using non-lethal weapons was necessary to maintain order and protect the public. It is also possible that the protesters were not following proper procedures for a peaceful protest, which could have prompted the police to take action. Ultimately, the police have a duty to uphold the law and maintain public safety, even if it means using force in certain situations. While it may seem extreme, it is important to remember that the price of freedom often involves making difficult decisions and taking necessary actions to protect the well-being of all individuals involved.
 

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