Puerto Rico Mob Attacks Marines

Associated Press / yahoo.com/news ^ | Tue Apr 23, 2:13 PM ET | PAISLEY DODDS

[Walkin Man]

Mob Attacks Marines
Tue Apr 23, 2:13 PM ET

By PAISLEY DODDS, Associated Press Writer

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - A mob armed with bats and pipes attacked 10 U.S. Navy (news - web sites) Marines, leaving one with a cranial fracture and others with injuries from broken bones to minor scrapes, the Navy said Tuesday.

All 10 were released from the hospital Tuesday after a brawl that erupted Monday night in the colonial section of San Juan, capital of this U.S. Caribbean territory, said Lt. Corey Barker, a Navy spokesman.

The Marines — more than 60 wearing civilian clothes at the time — had just finished work as a security detachment for contested military exercises on the outlying island of Vieques.

Two Marines were arguing between themselves outside at about 11 p.m. when a mob armed with lead pipes and bats started beating them, Barker said. He did not say what the fight was about.

Eight other Marines came to their friends' defense, and the brawl developed into a large street fight involving more than two dozen people, the Navy and police said.

The attackers fled when police were called. There were no arrests.

Police and the Navy said the fight occurred outside the Hard Rock Cafe, but manager Arnoldo Pegan said it happened about five blocks away.

"The Marines stopped by for dinner and like always, they were well-behaved," he said, adding he saw no argument.

The Marines, stationed in Tidewater, Va., are expected to return to their duties on the mainland this week. They had arrived at the cafe in white civilian buses.

Anti-military sentiment in this U.S. territory flared after an off-target bomb killed a civilian guard in 1999 on Vieques.

Protesters regularly break into the bombing range to delay exercises. The Navy says that during the latest round of maneuvers, which ended last week, protesters threw rocks and other objects at military personnel. The protesters say their demonstrations are peaceful.

[Semper Paratus]

We surrender, they can have independence.
They can apply to the UN for aid.

[aomagrat]

I'm sure the marines gave more than they got.

[StockAyatollah]

I agree. They don't want our military. They already pay no federal income tax. Give them independence. Free PR now!

[Bigg Red]

Prayers for the injured Marines.

[Walkin Man]

heh heh... I don't doubt it! I say to *ell with PR, who needs them anyway?

[Walkin Man]

Free PR now!

YEAH!

[ibbryn]

Puerto Ricans have Representation without Taxation?

FREE PUERTO RICO NOW!!!

[rockfish59]

hmmm, memories of 'the sand pebbles' when the 'slopes' charged the gunboat.
time to break out the .45's, '03's, BAR's & Lewis guns!

[Walkin Man]

Yes may God watch over and protect all of our troops. (And forgive me for hoping the Jarheads kicked their fricking butts!)

[Walkin Man]

'the sand pebbles'

That was a great Steve McQueen movie.

[The Electrician]

Undoubtedly this was not a premeditated ambush. Rather, large mobs of people always walk around carrying lead pipes and bats in Puerto Rico, right?

[tracer]

Sheesh. After I read the headline, I expected to see a NYC or Cheekogoh (Chicago) dateline....

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

Time to cut this island free. No more welfare........let's spend the money on the war against terrorism.

Make them all get passports!!

[Robe]

I liked the "Repell Boarders " part, When they broke out the "liff Stem" hoses. Liff Stem, dead stem.. gotta love it

[Walkin Man]

Hey, now that you mention it...good point! I'm sure that is just a big cowinky-dink. (NOT!)

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

. Rather, large mobs of people always walk around carrying lead pipes and bats in Puerto Rico, right?

A good friend of mine was a Hartford cop in the 1970s. He told me that their choice of weapons in those days were sticks.

[OldFriend]

Puerto Rican terrorists.......billclinton's best friends!

[luvbach1]

60 marines, and according to story, only eight came to the aid of the two attacked. Doesn't make sense.

Puerto Rico belongs to the US. If they don't want to be subject to US dictates they can vote for independence, which they have never done. I may be wrong, correct me if that's the case, but I think they would be granted independence if they so voted. Of course, without US aid they would be prostrate and they know it

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

You will stay right where you are on the thread.

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