Just because they were put on leave doesn't mean they were wrong. That is standard practice in many departments when something controversial takes place.
I don't have a lot of sympathy for people that break the law and continually refuse to comply with notices and requests to comply. In many agencies the standard policy is to use tools like pepper spray when there are large crowds of non-compliant people violating the law...(not just "actively rioting groups of dangerous people") If the campus police that did this don't have such a policy and the campus police acted out of accordance with their rules, then again, shame on them and they can/should be dealt with.
I'm not defending their actions or calling them justified in doing so, but I am saying that what is in the video isn't necessarily excessive force nor is it inherently brutal punishment outside of standard police action. I am also saying that the protesters are undoubtedly (peacefully) violating the law and continually refusing to comply. There are peaceful ways to protest and get your point across, if you think unlawful action is the only way, then don't expect a pity party when the consequences come.
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