(Image source: The Oregonian)


BY MALLORY PERRYMAN


Portland’s mayor gave Occupy protesters a deadline to get out of the city’s parks-- but the 99% wouldn’t budge.

As CNN reports-- that refusal set the scene for a tense standoff over the weekend.

“Police in riot gear are trying to clear the streets after protesters were kicked out of their camp and then their tents were torn down. Many ignored a midnight Saturday deadline to get out.”

Many of those protesters have been living in makeshift camps in the parks for the past month. Fox News reports Portland Mayor Sam Adams says-- they’ve had more than enough time to get their message across.

Casey Stegall (Fox News reporter): “The mayor of that city saying that the Wall Street movement in Portland is now attracting drug addicts and thieves...”

Sam Adams (Portland Mayor): “Crime, especially reported assaults have increased in the area and around the camps. This, in addition to the health and sanitation issues that the camps’ close quarters have brought about.”

But as Portland’s KPTV reported from the scene during the raid-- some of the protesters didn’t go quietly.

“For awhile it was kind of dicey. There were some protesters who were pushing and shoving the officers so the officers responded with force after giving the protesters warning... For the most part we are being told there were no injuries. At one point, there were people throwing items, small items like little rocks, at the officers.”

About 50 people were arrested-- but police say they did not use tear gas, rubber bullets, or other nonlethal weapons in the raid. Now-- as the Oregonian reports-- the Occupy Portland movement is trying to regroup.

“Participants seemed confident that the movement would come up with a new place to occupy. [A supporter] says finding a new public space is an important part of the movement. But, he added, ‘This isn't only about holding space. It's about taking care of people -- people who have been left out for a long time.’”