Occupy Portland Faces Off Against Police

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Police in riot gear surrounded protestors in Portland Sunday after hundreds of people defied the mayor's order to vacate the park by midnight.

Portland police have seized Lownsdale and Chapman squares back from Occupy protestors after a long night of tense showdowns with authorities. The squares had been occupied by protestors for six weeks.

Demonstrators were holding a general assembly meeting to discuss strategy in the face of the eviction order. Police surrounded the park and used nightsticks to push the crowd back. Loudspeakers warned that demonstrators were subject to arrest and "may also be subject to chemical agents and impact weapons."

The crowd shouted "the whole world is watching" in response.

Portland Mayor Sam Adams ordered the park shut down at midnight Saturday, citing health and safety concerns. Protestors won a showdown to remain in the park temporarily. At an impromptu news conference Sunday, Adams stressed the need for law and order.

"This is not a game," Adams said.

The Occupy Portland crowd is much smaller than before Saturday. Much of the crowd comprised homeless individuals who were drawn to the free food and shelter. They were cleared after outreach workers went through the camp to help them find shelter elsewhere.

http://www.neontommy.com/news/2011/11/occupy-portland-faces-against-police