Protesters Interrupt Mayor Bloomberg's Speech
Eight arrested after clash with security staff
Tuesday, Feb 3, 2009 | Updated 4:56 PM EST
WNBC
Protesters shout "This is what democracy looks like" outside a hotel ballroom in which Mayor Michael Bloomberg was delivering a speech to business leaders.
About 100 protesters stormed a Manhattan hotel ballroom and interrupted a speech by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, shouting "this is what democracy looks like!"
Eight people were arrested.
Bloomberg was speaking Tuesday to a group of business leaders during an economic forum at the Grand Hyatt near Grand Central Terminal.
A few minutes into his speech, the demonstrators charged in, chanting and waving signs that said "Mayor Bloomberg, talk to us about the future of NYC!"
Protesters said the demonstration was organized by a coalition that advocates for communities. They said Bloomberg has ignored the concerns of working-class New Yorkers, favoring the rights of rich developers instead.
Bloomberg stopped his speech until his security detail and other police escorted the demonstrators out of the hotel.
