Police riots and brutality erupted at an Alpha Chi Omega charity bake sale yesterday, resulting in five arrests.
Upon hearing of a gathering in the AXO house -- located at 39th and Spruce streets -- the Philadelphia Police arrived at about 11 a.m. to ensure the event was under control.
"Since this sorority has a history of misconduct at social events, we decided to take preemptive measures," Philadelphia Police Capt. Ben Naish said.
Upon seeing the house full of women cooking and preparing baked goods, the police began to physically remove them from the house, hitting several women with their night sticks and kicking many others.
Penn Police Sgt. Joe Risoli, who was at the scene, said some of the women were becoming "unruly" and that the baking instruments seemed particularly threatening.
The police confiscated all cooking containers, saying that they were suspected of holding alcohol.
Women began to riot in response to the abuse but were soon forced into police cars or removed from the scene.
Members of AXO declined to respond after repeated requests for comment, but AXO President and College senior Gretchen Berlin issued a brief statement condemning the attacks.
"I really hate the DP, and I regret having to say this," Berlin wrote. "But the circumstances necessitate it. I saw the beautiful sisters of my sorority treated like animals yesterday. It was a little bit like pledging, but the police took it too far."
The bake sale was designed to raise money to combat domestic violence, a favorite cause of the AXO sisters.
Their annual annual Big Man on Campus fundraiser last fall -- designed to raise money for another anti-domestic violence organization -- resulted in similar riots outside World Cafe Live at 30th and Walnut streets.
"You can't make this shit up," said College sophomore Sam Cohn, who witnessed the event. "Those popo are crazy!"
One woman in the house who wished to remain anonymous was confused as to why the police were being violent.
"We were just baking brownies," the College junior said. "I don't see why [the police] started kicking."
Director of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Scott Reikofski said that he hopes that future Greek events can be better controlled.
"Charity events do not have to be violent," he said. "We may look the other way during rush and pledging, but the night sticks take it just a step too far. Not that much further, but a little bit."
