Friday saw 213 arrests, and today, 500 more, putting the total past 6000 for this 15 day stretch.
   In a stunning turn of events, the water cannons were turned up higher than they’ve been before, with jet streams that look to be causing real damage. The truck also is white, instead of the normal blue which may indicate a new model chosen specifically for its brutality. There are a lot of reports of bruising, and the protesters who are on the front line now are wearing backpacks to protect their kidneys. There are also screenshots of baton use circulating from the livestream.

   
   XR spokesperson Lucas Winnips claimed in a press statement that the climate action group is “not asking for police involvement. That is a political choice. It is now clear that Extinction Rebellion will continue as long as necessary and that we are expanding. I would like to ask the police not to intervene in our peaceful demonstration anymore because that is pointless. We will come back the next day.”
   There is no word on total number of people at the protest, but 10,000 people doesn’t sound far-fetched. The Netherlands government funds 40-46 billion euros a year, (43-49 billion dollars). This protest seeks to end that. There is also a Belgium protest that looks to be a copycat strategy building up as well.