Burlington police say officers acted appropriately during clash - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

Burlington police say officers acted appropriately during protest clash

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By WCAX News - bio | email
BURLINGTON, Vt. -

Burlington police say a review of last month's clash with protesters shows officers acted appropriately during the incident.

The confrontation happened July 29 outside a conference of New England governors and Canadian premiers. Police in riot gear were trying to clear away a group of demonstrators who were blocking buses. Some officers fired nonlethal weapons and pepper spray; actions some critics have called excessive.

Friday, police release a detailed report on the incident. It concludes that officers showed "exceptional professionalism" under adverse circumstances. Police say it appears a small group of protesters were seeking a conflict and their aggressive verbal and physical actions toward officers provoked the police response. And police say the use of nonlethal weapons was justified and in compliance with department policy.

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