In a statement at city hall, Mayor Sam Adams and Portland Police Bureau Chief Mike Reese set Sunday at 12:01 a.m. as the planned closure time of the downtown Occupy Portland encampment.
Citing a medley of safety concerns and the rising cost to the larger community, Adams said recently “the balance has tipped” in reference to providing a forum for free speech and also a safe area for the rest of the city.
“Occupy has had considerable time to share its movement’s messages with the public but has lost control of the camps it created,” said Adams.
“I can not wait for someone to die in the camp—I can not wait for someone to use the camp as camouflage to inflict bodily harm on others,” added Adams.
Following the announcement city hall was placed on lockdown--allowing people to exit but not enter--as Occupy Portland protesters began to accumulate out front. About two hours later dozens of movement members amassed a sit-in in front of the building and listened to a complete reading of
Adam’s statement.
Portland’s version of the Occupy movement began Oct. 6 at Chapman and Lownsdale squares between Southwest Third and Fourth streets.
Countless pitched tents and several organized protests followed in the past five weeks, but growing drug concerns, continual damage to the parks and this week's
arrest after a Molotov cocktail was thrown seemed to launch the endgame announcement.
Reese declined any questions regarding his bureau’s tactical plan for possibly removing the "leaderless movement" but Adams--who is also the police commissioner--said police will be ready for “any reasonable eventuality,” including the possibility of arrests.
“I’m certain that this will be a challenge,” said Reese of the planned closure.
Lt. Robert King with Portland police estimated that there have been over 60 arrests at the Occupy Portland encampment so far--and possibly over 70.
Adams and Reese both also stressed their goal for an orderly and peaceful closure to the camps, with the mayor going as far as applauding the movement’s liaisons for their communication efforts.
Starting at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, all city laws and parks violations that were previously permitted will be enforced, said Adams. The park blocks will remain closed while repairs are made and enforcement will continue upon reopening.
Like Occupy movements across the globe, Portland’s version is a testament to the fact that many citizens are lacking basic health care and housing, and all of the speakers Thursday acknowledged the importance of providing aid.
The mayor and Commissioner Nick Fish implored people in the camp who need shelter and services to call the
city’s human services hotline at 2-1-1.
“The life-safety issues have put our particular encampment out of balance,” said Adams.
"Things have conspired to the point now where we have to act."
Occupy Portland Timeline (more coming):Nov. 9,
Man living at Occupy Portland charged for Molotov cocktail incidentNov. 8,
Crime up 18 percent in Occupy Portland neighborhood, report saysNov. 3,
'Enough is enough' for Occupy Portland, says head of police unionNov. 3,
Portland police chief addresses response to Occupy in memo to officers Oct. 30,
Occupy Portland protesters arrested in Jamison SquareOct. 29,
Occupy Portland protesters march to Pearl DistrictOct. 27,
Police overtime for Occupy Portland about $182KOct. 27,
VIDEOS: 3 weeks of inside Occupy PortlandOct. 26,
Labor unions join Occupy Portland in marchOct. 25,
Police notes at Occupy Portland depict chaotic sceneOct. 20,
Mayor Adams says Occupy Portland can stay, for nowOct. 19,
Police recover firearm after disturbance near Occupy PortlandOct. 19,
Man displays gun during confrontation with Occupy Portland protesters, police sayOct. 18,
Suspected marijuana dealer arrested at Occupy Portland campOct. 13,
Arrests made as Portland police clear Main Street in downtownOct. 13,
Occupy Portland hold third march in protest of New York deadlineOct. 12,
Police car vandalized near Occupy Portland demonstrationOct. 12,
Occupy Portland protesters refuse to leaveOct. 11,
Former Salem mayor joins occupy protest; members in Portland still camped outOct. 9,
Portland Marathon not disrupted by Occupy Portland as protesters return to square Oct. 7,
Two arrested for Occupy Portland graffitiOct. 5,
Occupy Portland organizers reject permit for Thursday rally--Toshio Suzuki
