Riviello wrote that CPD was attempting to move protesters “to a more suitable location that would not impact the free and safe flow of pedestrian traffic on a public sidewalk and allow for safe exit/entry to a business when a [protester] became violent, struck a police officer, and was taken into custody.”

“CPD serves to protect the rights of all pedestrians, businesses, and [protesters] by providing for the safety of all to freely move about in public spaces,” Riviello wrote in an emailed statement.

The Student Action Labor Movement has supported the Insomnia workers’ protests. “I wasn’t there, but I think the Cambridge police carried out a hostile and unwarranted attack against people [who] I believe are peaceful,” said SLAM member Gabriel H. Bayard ’15. “I hope IWW and CPD can come to a peaceful resolution to the matter that will protect our right to peaceful protest.”

Freedman was arraigned Friday, according to Riviello. Perkins said that Freedman is being represented by an attorney of the National Lawyers Guild.

Insomnia Cookies could not be reached for comment late Sunday afternoon.

—Nikki D. Erlick contributed reporting to this story.

—Staff writer Antonio Coppola can be reached at antonio.coppola@thecrimson.com. Follow him on Twitter @AntonioCoppolaC.

—Staff writer John P. Finnegan can be reached at finnegan@thecrimson.com. Follow him on Twitter @finneganspake.