Our primary goal was to prevent it (the protest). If we couldn't do that, the next job was to at least make sure it was peaceful.

The officer first attempted to verbally stop the fight and then tried to physically separate them. The officer was physically struck. To ensure the combatants' safety as well as his own safety, the officer used the means necessary.

Is it a regular thing for us? No, it's not. But it's something we have to deal with.

We can understand their (parents') concern. But based on what we were dealing with, school was the safest place they could have been.

Protest long enough that you are right, and you will be wrong

One can organize a huge protest but it does not mean the cause is just.