Turned
The ride has been criticized for endangering both civilians and participants. Police policies generally prohibit cops from pursuing vehicles in a chase unless a felony has been committed. So, the bikers essentially had free reign over South Florida's streets. Law enforcement leaders said they purposely left
Broward Sheriff Scott Israel told the Sun-Sentinel, "For us to take a non-aggressive posture, to use discretion and restraint, I'm so proud of our leaders and deputies for doing that, especially up in Pompano [Beach] where we had most of the traffic into central Broward." He suggested his agency knew of the event but thought it was "a Dade County event. Our intelligence people had no information that anyone was coming to Broward County."
Fort Lauderdale mayor Jack Seiler said the situation was "unacceptable" and called for better planning next year.
Reaction to the protest online has been vitriolic and tinged with racism. The riders have been called "thugs," and accused of tarnishing King's own legacy.
Though this is an unscientific example, here are some Tweets and Facebook comments from Monday:
A person named Shannon Sponge Rose wrote in Facebook: "The news is calling this mess organized. I'm sorry, but this was an unorganized chaotic mess. This put many lives in danger with the doing, wheelies, burnouts, kicking cars and taunting other drivers. At some points were even weaving in and out of traffic on the wrong side of the road."
Bob Markey II said, "Here we go again. Thugs drive like maniacs in non-street legal motorcycles and for at least the second year, police act like they knew nothing about it and do nothing to stop it. Have the sheriff's offices, police
Even on the liberal Occupy Miami page, a
There were, of course, some positive comments, mostly from young people. But calling nonviolent demonstrators "thugs" and "criminals," — and saying they ought to be run over — should be unacceptable, anywhere.
LOCAL ALERT: If you are driving in the Broward area or know someone who is, please let them know that there are hundreds...
Posted by Chris F Diaz on Monday, January 18, 2016
Miami gets a look at what happens when enough assholes take to the streets. Welcome to the new lawlessness society. #DirtBikes #DirtBags
— Fallbrook Dave (@fallbrookdave) January 18, 2016
Ok so my rant continues !!!! Really miami lets ride our dirt bikes on the street, break every law to man kind, and dont give a shit, the cops should run them over, arrest them, and drag there ass to jail
Posted by Tim Viens on Monday, January 18, 2016
if we whites done this we would be in jail bullshit
Posted by Paula Larkey on Tuesday, January 19, 2016
#gunsdownwheelsup #rideout #mlk The absolute DUMBEST way to honor MLK. If you were out on Rideout you're an ASSHOLE!
— Mermaid Tamer (@Mermaid_Tamer) January 19, 2016
The MLK rideout just shows that we the people have power in numbers. We stand together we stand strong.
— DSleg3737 (patcha) (@derekslegl) January 20, 2016