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People were outside of the Aladdin theater protesting when 4 police vehicles creeped up with their lights off, parked in front of the theater and immediately went after a very visible Palestinian organizer. It was a targeted arrest and is a very old police tactic to arrest visible organizers as a means of intimidation and attempt at suppression. This person didn't do a thing but use his voice tonight. PPB claimed it was in regards to something from a previous day, which makes the arrest an even more intentional target considering when & where they decided to do it. Also, cops lie.

As he was being arrested, the cops were extremely handsy and a few in particular were being super violent to people just asking why they were arresting him. The cops were mostly new faces who are protest newbies, they were visibly nervous & skittish the entire time- which tends to be a particular flavor of dangerous and violent. PPB left shortly after making the arrest. The arrest and police violence riled up the crowd and things escalated.

There was a bunch of security working for the theater, and they ended up all retreating inside after some smoke bombs went off near the doors and people pushing through the metal fencing. The entrance got barricaded and some folks were just standing in front of it. People were no longer able to enter the venue at this point. This went on for a bit until eventually the cops came back and formed a line in front of the theater allowing the security to come back out and let patrons in. People are out now and no other arrests were made.