Gorup protests alleged beating of homeless man by Berkeley ambassador
BERKELEY, Calif. (KGO) -- The beating of a homeless man that was caught on video prompted the homeless and their advocates to protest on the streets of Berkeley Friday.
The homeless and their advocates claim the video reveals the routine harassment and physical abuse they receive by the Berkeley Ambassadors.
"If there's a conflict and the ambassador reports, 'this person assaulted me,' then the cop is likely to believe the ambassador and arrest the person for assault," said Bob Offer-Westort of Streets Are for Everyone (SAFE).
RAW VIDEO: Berkeley Ambassador beats homeless man
The victims, Nathan Swor and James Wilbur Cocklereese were arrested for assault. After the video emerged, ambassador Jefferey Bailey was fired and his partner Carmen Francois was suspended.
One problem is the lack of housing for the homeless. "Ninja Kitty" says he's been on a waiting list for two years.
"Like they expect us to magically disappear while we wait and they attack and assault us while we have nowhere to go," "Ninja Kitty" said.
Meanwhile, business owners are pressuring the city to stop the homeless from chasing away their customers.
"It's very tough to run a business here," said Paul Licht, a business owner.
But business owner Paul Licht says the ambassadors are not the answer.
"That's what happens when you have people who are not trained, who are out there trying to maintain order," Licht said.
The ambassadors involved have not been charged.
VIDEO: Alleged beating of homeless man by Berkeley ambassador investigated
