So why didn't police immediately bring in the paddy wagons and haul these anarchists away? Time was, at least in my neck of the woods, you had to have a parade permit (protests were considered parades). Demonstrate without a permit and your keister would be hauled off to the slammer. Obstruct traffic? Hinder medical personnel from attending to a patient or inhibit emergency personnel from getting to an accident or fire? You could be held responsible criminally and civilly if someone died as a result of your actions.
We have police unwilling or unable to do their jobs. I'd like to know which is it and why?