83 Arrested In Oakland BART Verdict Protests Led By Anarchist Agitators

Police arrested 83 protestors mostly within a six-block radius of Oakland City Hall, following the conviction of former BART officer Johannes Mehserle of involuntary manslaughter Thursday, SF Gate.com reports.

Many of the arrestees were anarchist agitators who weren't from Oakland, according to the report.

Here's an excerpt:

The rallies began peacefully but soon degenerated into lawlessness, during which protesters looted businesses, sprayed anti-police graffiti on storefronts, set trash bins on fire and clashed with police clad in gas masks, riot helmets and batons, authorities said.

Looters entered a Foot Locker shoe store, and smashed windows of a jewelry store, bank and beauty supply shop.

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