On Saturday, an estimated 2,000 people participated in the Oakland Rise-Up! Festival, an Occupy Oakland demonstration. However, the situation turned violent halfway through the afternoon as protesters began tearing down construction barricades to a building they planned to re-purpose as a community action center. Riot police used tear gas and flash bombs to disperse the crowd, who reportedly retaliated by pelting officers with broken bottles, pipes, and improvised explosive devices. The protesters went on to enter and vandalize City Hall, burning two American flags. Ali Winston is a freelancer reporter in Oakland. Kara Tina is a member of the Occupy Oakland Movement Assembly.
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