According to one account, the caustic substance burned through two pairs of an officer's rubber gloves as he was preparing to administer the torture. He protected his own hands with a third pair of gloves, then proceeded to pour the pepper spray into the eyes of a young woman locked down in the blockade. With incredible courage, she held her ground in spite of excruciating pain and potentially permanent injury.
In another case, a woman was taken into custody and handcuffed to a guard rail where she was forced to remain for 10 hours. During that time pepper spray was applied three times. At the end of the day, she was released.
As of October 12, thirteen protesters have been arrested, with five still in custody. There is concern that PL is preparing to resume cutting in the area where Gypsy was killed. Earth First!ers are maintaining theirÊvigil.
What you can do
¥ Join the action camp established to work toward preserving Gypsy Mountain and the redwood forest where David "Gypsy" Chain was killed. Call (707) 825-6598 for more info.
¥ Donate food, wool clothing, camping gear, or funds to support efforts to protect the forest and the evidence. Drop off your contribution at the MEC, the Used Book Store in Redway, or the Earth First! office in Arcata.
¥ Wear a green ribbon to show your support of the fight to save the redwoods, and your abhorrence of the sadistic tactics of law enforcement. Let the sheriffs know you are watching.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 1998
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited