Seattle police officers have moved in on the protesters and arrested several by 2:30 who had refused to leave their tents so that park officials could dismantle them. It appeared many more protesters were waiting to be arrested.

Seattle Times is reporting that police made at least 10 arrests.

Seattle Parks Acting Superintendent Christopher Williams, who was at the scene of the arrests, said the protesters’ tents were the primary cause for the police action. He said the incident was a legal issue surrounding the camping and blocking others from using the park. He added that camping was not allowed in any Seattle parks.

“This is not about the issue,” he said. “We’re not making a judgment on the cause. … They can take their tents away and come back to continue protesting.” The park closes at 10 p.m., he added. “They can come back at 6:30 a.m.”

One of the early organizers of the "Occupy Seattle" protest and camp still in place in downtown Seattle says he will "absolutely" stay in Westlake Park.

Yesterday afternoon, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn told “Occupy Seattle” to take down their tents and leave the park during the night when it and other Seattle parks are normally closed to the public.

"I have a moral obligation to stay," said Pete Whipple, one of the organizers who has been staying in the park since Friday. "I don't see how I can leave now."

Seattle Parks Acting Superintendent Christopher Williams, who was at the scene of the arrests, said the protesters’ tents were the primary cause for the police action. He said the incident was a legal issue surrounding the camping and blocking others from using the park. He added that camping was not allowed in any Seattle parks.

“This is not about the issue,” he said. “We’re not making a judgment on the cause. … They can take their tents away and come back to continue protesting.” The park closes at 10 p.m., he added. “They can come back at 6:30 a.m.”

 

One of the early organizers of the "Occupy Seattle" protest and camp still in place in downtown Seattle says he will "absolutely" stay in Westlake Park.

Yesterday afternoon, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn told “Occupy Seattle” to take down their tents and leave the park during the night when it and other Seattle parks are normally closed to the public.

"I have a moral obligation to stay," said Pete Whipple, one of the organizers who has been staying in the park since Friday. "I don't see how I can leave now."

CONTINUES

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