"The Hempstead 15" go to trial

Hempstead 15 to appear in court Monday for Hofstra debate action.

HEMPSTEAD, NY -- Ten members of Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) and five of their civilian supporters will be arraigned here Monday, November 10th  for "Disorderly Conduct" stemming from arrests at a non-violent demonstration at Hofstra University during the final presidential debate.

The peaceful demonstration, designed to force veterans' issues into the
campaign spotlight, was responded to with police brutality resulting
in serious injuries to one Iraq veteran when he was trampled by a police
horse that charged onto a sidewalk.

IVAW's Nick Morgan suffered a shattered cheek bone, among other
injuries, after he was pulled to the ground by police and stepped on by one of their horses. He is still undergoing a series of reconstructive
surgeries to repair damage done by the Nassau County Police Department.

It remains unclear how the entirety of the Hempstead 15 will plead to
charges Monday, but one member, Sgt. Matthis Chiroux, vowed never to
submit to police brutality or the infringement of his constitutional
rights to peacefully assemble.

"The near killing of a veteran on a sidewalk is fine, but peacefully
assembling to have grievances redressed by our leaders is disorderly? I
don't think so, America," said Chiroux. "I will fight this to the bitter
end to ensure our names are cleared and members of the NCPD are held
accountable for their crimes against veterans and the U.S.
Constitution."

VoteStrike.com is asking supporters of the Hempstead 15 to begin assembling at 8 a.m. Monday at the First District Court of Nassau County99 Main St., Hempstead, NY. The arraignment hearing is scheduled to begin at nine. located at

For more information or to arrange coverage, contact Jose Vasquez at
917-587-3334 or jose@ivaw.org.