wtf? are the police in NO treating reporters like they are in Iraq?

[Ruby Romaine]

Police said there had been a shootout as they forced a reporter and a photographer out of a passing car at gunpoint, pushing them face first against the wall. They took away a reporter's notebook and tossed the photographer's camera on the ground before returning them and telling the pair to leave.
http://www.nola.com/newslogs/breakingtp/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_Times-Picayune/archives/2005_09.html#075996

does this mean gangs were stoping reporters or were the police?

[havocmom]

1. Reported last night that 50-60% of NOPD turned in their badges

Makes one wonder just who it was, claiming to be local police

[QuettaKid]

3. could it have been the boys from blackwater? nt

.

[havocmom]

5. Dunno, I didn't hear the reproters on it

but getting skittish about 'officials' since some seem to be working for the wrong side. I think most of the local officials want to get the mess exposed. Who would want to keep the lid on reporters and keep the truth from getting on the air?

[Divernan]

2. Freedom is on the march! In quick retreat, that is.

nt

[DemonFighterLives]

4. Thought Police!

:think:

[Supersedeas]

6. the truth can not be televised!!!

[wli]

7. Most likely Blackwater posing as police.

There are rumors they do likewise for riot police operations and that's part of why the badges aren't shown at things like the WTO/FTAA protests. They don't have them.