The police assault at twilight sent hundreds of protesters scurrying for cover as street clashes echoed through the city. The swift and overwhelming action by security forces highlighted the country’s deepening political divide and the potential danger Erdogan faces in further provoking a large segment of Turks critical of what they see as his authoritarian tendencies.

But Erdogan had made it clear for days that his patience was exhausted. Police backed by armored vehicles moved into Gezi Park — the epicenter of rallies that have given rise to new political voices while damaging the country’s international image — driving protesters from beneath sycamore trees and blocking access to adjoining Taksim Square.

Ambulances arrived outside the park as tear gas and water cannon spray enveloped the area. Turkey’s NTV television reported that police shouted at protesters: “This is an illegal act, this is our last warning to you: Evacuate.”

The police have used “a lot of tear gas and rubber bullets,” said Lela Benim, a nurse at a field hospital near Gezi Park, while cleaning a thick white coating of tear gas off a man’s chest. “This response is what we have been afraid of.”

Thousands of demonstrators, who only hours earlier had vowed to hold the park, rushed into Istiklal Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, chanting, “Tayyip Resign.” The banged their fists against shuttered storefronts. Police responded with water cannon blasts and stun grenades.

“Some people do fight with the police — socialist factions — but the police don’t discriminate between them and the rest of us” peaceful protesters, said Emre Erkaslan, wearing a hard-hat and gas mask on Istiklal Street. “Erdogan is the worst kind of dictator because he thinks he’s actually a democrat.”

Read more on: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-turkey-protests-20130616,0,2444573.story