Up close with riot gear

Things had been extremely quiet around work this week. All of the worries about riots and traffic had been unfounded, until today! I came back from a break at 3:00 and was told we were all leaving before 3:30. However, I see a patient in PACU. There was supposed to be a large, potentially dangerous demonstration coming close to us. Everyone that was not needed was to leave. Well, Kate and I stayed. Someone needed to take care of the patient. I just knew the nurses on the floor would not be able to do some of the things we could do in PACU (sorry, due to privacy, I can't really say more than that). So, we took care of the patient, wrapped things up and left. There were many many officers in riot gear and a few people watching them. Helicopters flying over head. Snow trucks blocking off streets. But, nothing else happening. It was a little odd seeing all of the people in riot gear. I have seen military with automatic weapons all over in other countries. But, I have not experienced that type of intimidation here in the US. I can just imagine what it would be like to see that type of a show of force on a daily basis. Makes you think...