Police in New York clear out occupy protesters overnight

By

After more than a month spent camping out and living in Zuccotti Park, it appears protesters from the Occupy Wall Street movement will have to find somewhere else to stay.

New York police dismantled the Occupy Wall Street camp in an early-morning raid Tuesday, clearing out tents and ordering protesters to leave as the park was cleaned.

There have been reports of chaos and disarray in and around the park as police worked to clear the protesters, with some reports of as many as 70-100 arrests.

Police allegedly announced that the “city has determined that the continued occupation of Zuccotti Park poses an increasing health and fire safety hazard,” before moving in to remove the protesters around 1 a.m. Tuesday.

A message from New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg told the protesters they could return to the park once it was cleaned and clear, but without their tents and sleeping bags.

A sign has now been posted outside the park telling protesters there is a 10 p.m. curfew and they will not be allowed to bring tents or sleeping bags.

In an interesting twist, a report from the Canadian Press indicated that a court order could potentially allow the protesters to return to the park with their tents. This has yet to be confirmed by city officials.

Leaflets were apparently handed out to protesters from the park owner, Brookfield Office Properties, which said they had to remove their personal belongings and would be arrested if they interfered.

There have been some unconfirmed reports that police, dressed in riot gear, used pepper spray and tear gas to help clear protesters who initially refused to leave.

“This is the worst action against any occupy movement anywhere in the world, this is military tactics, this is totally uncalled for, why don’t they use the same tactics against Wall Street bankers who caused this mess,” said one protester.

Other American cities have taken hardline stances against the occupy movement, with a camp in Oakland being cleared overnight Monday. At least 30 people were arrested in that clearing.

Meanwhile, approximately 50 people were arrested when police cleared a camp in Portland over the weekend.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today