Jan 25, 5:50 pm: The good vibes in the Square swayed to fear and apprehension as tear gas started to take over the southern half, near the Mogamma. Judging from where the gas arches were forming, it became clear where the police lines were held. They stood at the cusp of Qasr al Aini Street, where riot police needed to protect the Shoura Council, as well block entrances to all streets leading to the iconic Ministry of Interior. Shabab kept their distance, waiting for the wind to take the American-made gas away, so they could strike back.
Jan 25, 5:40: A pretty beautiful sight. People caught up in jubilation.
Jan. 25, 5:30 pm: What it looked like with the troops en masse. Hello Cairo, say hi to your biggest demonstration since the 1977 bread riots.
Jan 25, 5:30 pm: In the photo below this you see tear gas in the distance, but people were looking behind them. That’s because there was a huge roar coming into the Square, from around the Egyptian Museum on Meret Basha Street. The cavalry had just arrived. All the protesters that we left behind in Shoubra were running into the Square. Morale and energy filled the air. A truly cinematic moment.
Jan 25, 5:30 pm: After hearing on Twitter that security forces were using water cannons in Tahrir, we jumped in a cab and left Shoubra to get to get to the square. When we arrived, the police had already abandoned the water cannons. They had moved on to tear gas. All made in the glorious U.S.A.
Jan. 25, 4:30 pm: The police let demonstrators pass on the road through Shoubra. The green flag is from the Wafd party, one of the opposition groups here. A lot of these demonstrators waved them earlier this the day when we were in front of the Foreign Ministry.
Jan. 25, approx 4:20 pm: A head honcho police captain gives orders to his subordinates.
Jan. 25, approx 4:20 pm: Another picture of the scuffle. Check out Mr. Under Armor. I saw him just stand there, let the police rush past him, and he just kept on walking forward. Not sure what his deal was; whether this was a method or it just happened.
Jan 25, approx 4:20 pm: The riot police get their batons out and the first scuffle of the day ensues.
Jan 25, approx 4 pm: A glance of how police lines hold together with locked arms. But this is hours before the tear gas came out.
