U.S. Park Police ride into McPherson Square, while an Occupy DC protester leads the way
Written by
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton says the National Park Service and Occupy DC protesters appear to be avoiding violence as U.S. Park Police enforce camping regulations at a downtown Washington park.
The District of Columbia's representative in Congress says the park service is enforcing its regulations against camping Saturday with "professionalism and sensitivity." She says police appear to be keeping their promise to allow Occupy DC protesters to maintain a round-the-clock presence, even as officers clear tents from the park.
Norton says police are respecting the protesters' First Amendment rights. She says the response from protesters has been in the tradition of non-violent, disciplined protest.
At a recent hearing in Congress, Norton defended the park service and Occupy organizers for avoiding the confrontations seen in other cities.