Rep. Ayanna Pressley gets a scolding from Boston police union for encouraging violent activists

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) received a public rebuke from Boston's police union on Tuesday, days after the congresswoman urged her supporters to contribute to a bail fund for activists protesting against a "straight pride" parade over the weekend.

What are the details?

Leading up to the straight pride parade, Pressley took to Twitter calling on her followers to join her in donating to a fund for a group of activists preparing for "possible unplanned arrests" ahead of their protest of the parade slated for Saturday. 

At least four Boston police officers were injured and dozens of people were arrested at the event that drew more than 1,000 demonstrators who came to protest the parade held by a group called Super Fun Happy America.

Following the chaos, Boston Police Patrolmen's Association president Michael Leary wrote Pressley a letter regarding her call to raise bail funds, saying, "Your actions in support of these individuals serves only to encourage criminal and disruptive behaviors such as those suffered by my members this weekend."

Mr. Leary noted that his officers "were screamed at, abused and fought by these so-called peaceful protestors."

Leary added, "As an elected official and particularly as someone who has historically worked with the Boston Police Department and the BPPA as a member of the Boston City Council you should be working to encourage Boston city residents and visitors to respect and cooperate with Boston Police officers who are there to serve and protect."

In closing, Leary said, "I urge you to reconsider your support of the protest bail fund. Instead, I hope you will make it clear to your supporters that you don't approve of violent behavior against public safety personnel."

Anything else?

The Washington Examiner reported that 36 activists were arrested at the Boston parade, and nine of them were charged "with assault and battery on a police officer. Other charges included resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and assault by means of a dangerous weapon."

Join me right now in making a contribution. TY to the allies & accomplices who stood in the gap & laid their bodies on the line today in affront #LGBT hate march. To everyone feeling unseen & vulnerable today...we got you. Equitable outrage. Our destinies & freedoms are tied. https://t.co/xwHQDX7UG2

— Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) August 31, 2019