Police Commissioner Defends 'Straight Pride' Parade Response

BOSTON — Since the arrest of 36 protesters at a Straight Pride parade and protest two weeks ago, some are criticizing Boston Police for how they handled the event. In response, the Commissioner William Gross said he is ordering a full review and internal investigation.

"As it relates to any and all actions taken by my officers, including the use of non-lethal force, per standard operating procedures, there will be a full review and internal investigation conducted to determine appropriate guidelines were followed," Gross said in a statement.

The controversial "Straight Pride" parade featured about 300 marchers on Boston city streets on Aug. 31 calling for a return to traditional values and an end to identity politics, while a much larger group of protesters decried what many considered an event driven by hate and intolerance.

Police were deployed in great numbers to keep the two sides apart. Police in the end, more than 30 people were arrested and four police officers suffered minor injuries. Some are saying police unnecessarily pepper sprayed or were too aggressive.

During a press conference Monday District Attorney Rachel Rollins said after videos of police and protester interaction popped up on Twitter, she began reviewing video from the parade to figure out whether police at the event used excessive force.

“I’ve seen footage that shows behavior that’s appropriate and other footage that was questionable to me,” Rollins said, but was quick to praise police for taking a risk while they do their jobs.

Still, she said her job is not to be their friend.

“I am the neutral arbiter of whether or not they violated the law," she told reporters.

In response to criticism, Gross first praised his officers for protecting the hundreds of protesters and counter protesters.

"While most expressed those objections peacefully, not everybody did," he said in a statement. "And nobody can attest to that fact more so than my officers who found themselves on the receiving end of an unending stream of verbal taunts, jeers, profanities, obscenities and physical assaults directed towards them throughout the course of the day."

The full statement:

"Let me say without hesitation that I could not be more proud or impressed with the high levels of restraint and professionalism displayed by my officers tasked with safeguarding and protecting all who either attended, participated or protested at the parade.

As in prior events, appropriate staffing and security measures were in place to ensure the safety and security of all individuals wanting to peacefully assemble while exercising their right to free speech. As we saw along the parade route, there were many who chose to voice their objections to those who chose to participate in the Straight Pride Parade.

While most expressed those objections peacefully, not everybody did. And nobody can attest to that fact more so than my officers who found themselves on the receiving end of an unending stream of verbal taunts, jeers, profanities, obscenities and physical assaults directed towards them throughout the course of the day.

Clearly, not everybody who attended the parade was there to peacefully and lawfully exercise their First Amendment Rights.

As a result, 36 individuals were arrested and charged with various crimes including: Assault & Battery by Means of Dangerous Weapon, Unlawful Possession of Dangerous Weapon, Assault and Battery on a Police Officer, Affray, Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest.

As it relates to any and all actions taken by my officers, including the use of non-lethal force, per standard operating procedures, there will be a full review and internal investigation conducted to determine appropriate guidelines were followed.

Moreover, those who believe they were mistreated at the parade are encouraged to file a formal complaint with the BPD’s Internal Affairs Unit.

In closing, the Boston Police Department has and will continue to protect the freedoms and rights of all people, regardless of political leanings or personal points of view, to lawfully and peacefully express their First Amendment Rights."

A compilation of videos:

RELATED:

Boston Judge Had 'No Authority' In Straight Pride Case (With video from the Rollins Press Conference)

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).