Thousands of protesters storm the Brooklyn Bridge. (Paul Martinka)
Thousands of anti-Wall Street protesters clashed with cops today across lower Manhattan, starting with a march on the New York Stock Exchange this morning and ending with a crossing of the Brooklyn Bridge that snarled traffic.
Cops responded in force, at one point this afternoon sweeping into Zuccotti Park and arresting anyone inside. In total, at least 275 people were busted by cops; five of whom were charged with assault.
The culmination of the day of protests to mark the movement’s two-month anniversary began with hundreds of protesters massing on the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Ninty-nine people wearing white T-shirts reading “99%” sat down on Park Row, blocking traffic.
Cops quickly moved in and began arresting them. Centre and Chambers streets were packed with protesters.
Cops locked the east side of City Hall that faces the bridge.
But once protesters got to the bridge, many simply began peacefully walking across the pedestrian walkway, making their way into Brooklyn.
OWS’s last organized hike across the span resulted in more than 700 arrests on Oct. 1.
The day began when protesters attempted to march toward the New York Stock Exchange.
The march began peacefully, but quickly grew tense and escalated as cops arrested 60 people that had tried to jump over barricades near Wall Street.