Police Use of Chemical Weapons and Tear Gas

Highlighted a lack of police accountability in Berkeley and urged the council to listen to community opposition.

A local pastor sang a verse about community love and urged the council to retain the ban.

Urged the council to vote no on removing bans against tear gas and pepper spray, citing health hazards and Berkeley's budget deficit.

Stated that past incidents where tear gas might have been used were successfully resolved without it, and noted pepper spray is banned in warfare.

A police sergeant and Special Response Team member spoke in favor of restoring tear gas as an essential, life-saving tool for high-risk situations.

Representing the Peace and Justice Commission, reminded the council of Berkeley's precautionary principle and requested an academic study on health impacts.

A student and Army veteran opposed the reintroduction of chemical weapons, arguing they endanger the public and student community.

Shared historical memories of being tear-gassed in Berkeley and expressed deep concern over chemical sensitivities and past trauma.

Argued that spending funds on chemical weapons contradicts budget concerns and harms community trust.

A health educator urged a 'no' vote based on documented health harms and Berkeley's precautionary principle.

Expressed absolute opposition as an asthma sufferer, stating gas does not stay in one place.

Stated that tear gas escalates situations rather than calming them and asked for independent studies.

Strongly opposed the meeting time and the reauthorization of tear gas, calling it a tool of torture.

Speaking for the Berkeley Friends Meeting, asked the council to retain the existing ban.

Also representing the Quaker meeting, highlighted risks to persons with disabilities and respiratory sensitivities.

An 87-year-old resident spoke against item 1A and in favor of getting more information from reputable institutions.

Used hyperbole about flamethrowers to argue against giving police access to chemical weapons.

A Portland city councilor called in to support retaining Berkeley's ban as a model for other jurisdictions.

Stated she has not heard a good reason for bringing these weapons back.

Berkeley Tenants Union chair shared personal experience of being tear-gassed in Washington D.C.

Questioned the tactical utility argument and noted that distance and time claims do not prevent tragedies.