Occupy SF Dismantled by Police

Police dismantled the Occupy San Francisco protest camp on Wednesday and arrested 70 activists at Justin Herman Plaza.

“Bicycles, books from the library, tents, and people’s belongings were thrown directly into trash crusher trucks,” organizers said. “Many occupiers were trying to leave the area and were arrested anyway.”

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that police, firefighters, and other city workers moved in on the camp at around 1:30 a.m., giving protesters five minutes to leave and pack their belongings, citing police spokesperson Albie Esparza.

Police Chief Greg Suhr said authorities had no choice but to take the camp down after talks broke down. “We weren’t getting our e-mails returned,” he told the Chronicle.

Occupy organizers said on Wednesday, “emergency assemblies have been called” to “debate and decide how to move forward in light of this latest assault on our rights.”

The camp had remained at Justin Herman Plaza for more than two months.