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Back At Zuccotti: Occupy Wall Street Protesters Face New Security Checks, Tent-less Days And Nights
By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 15, 2011
Modified Nov 15, 2011
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By
Jen Chung
Published Nov 15, 2011
Modified Nov 15, 2011
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This evening, protesters returned to Zuccotti Park 14 hours after the police kicked them out of the public space. Now, those visiting—or intending stay—must go through quasi-security checks at two entrances to the barricaded plaza, with city workers (police, Sanitation workers) making sure no large items, like tents or tarps, get through. The NYCLU is monitoring the checks and has noted that seemingly normal-sized bags have been rejected, as well as drums and an accordion.
After the 1 a.m. raid, the city or Brookfield Properties replaced signs stating Zuccotti Park rules with ones that included 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. hours of operation. But those signs caused much confusion—and concern about a potential 10 p.m. clash— after the public was allowed back into the park, and the signs were changed again, back to signs without mention of times. While 10 p.m. came and went without incident, there is still a considerable police presence at the park.
When discussing the eviction, Mayor Bloomberg cited public safety and health issues, plus the fact that "no right is absolute". Tonight, OWS released a statement after its General Assembly meeting, "The feeling here at Liberty Square tonight is the feeling of a movement that is rising, building, and making headway... We will push back against billionaire Michael Bloomberg and any politician who wantonly tramples on proud American freedoms: freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and the freedom of Americans to peaceably assemble and petition for change," with those gathered chanting via the people's mic, "They showed us their power. And we're showing them ours."
In this post-raid environment, food was being served outside of the park, by people carrying it around on makeshift trays. The library is back, but it's being protected by umbrellas after the police called a plastic covering a tarp. As for what protesters will do without sleeping bags and tents, some churches have to take in those needing shelter. It's unclear how strictly police will try to enforce a "no lying down" or "no sleeping upright" policy—some people are being confronted.
And protesters are pleased with some cop action: NewYorkist Tweeted, "A person being removed from the park, lotta ppl happy and aplauding. A woman says he's slap happy twitpic.com/7er3z5," and Bucky Turco at Animal New York Tweeted with a little more background, "Ha. The NYPD is removing Goldbeard, a notoriously disruptive asshole, from the plaza and protesters are applauding. #ows"
Reporting by Christopher Robbins
Tagged
no accordion
occupy wall street
protesters
security check
Zuccotti Park
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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