SFPD Raids Part of Occupy SF

Police attempt to disband encampment

The San Francisco Police Department has moved against at least part of the Occupy SF encampment.

Tents set up along Market Street have been removed, with seven arrests and 15 tents taken down. Police moved in around 1:30 a.m. and have remained near the scene. Protesters were cited with camping on public property and released.

A meeting is set for today (set up before the raid) between protesters and Mayor Ed Lee. Occupiers seek to expand their footprint with space in Civic Center Plaza in front of city hall.

The city has tolerated campers outside the Federal Reserve Building and Justin Herman Plaza, but decided One Market Street was a tent too far.

The move comes less than 24 hours after a New York judge ruled that Occupy protesters had no right to remain and camp on public land. Earlier this week, Oakland police (and other agencies) removed protesters from Frank Ogawa Plaza, arresting at least 33 people.

A text sent from an account frequently used by the Occupy SF protesters indicate that a "surprise police raid on Occupy SF" began around 1:45 a.m. today at or near Herman Plaza, near the Ferry Building. It then stated, "Confirmation that entire Occupy SF is being raided. Requesting immediate assistance & witnesses -- please head down if you can."

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