Urban camping ban: Police delay enforcement to continue education
In the surrounding blocks, however, a handful of homeless individuals reported verbal warnings from law enforcement. And as protesters woke up this morning, state troopers told them to step out of their sleeping bags and pack up. "Just behind Civic Center, three people got verbal warnings and had to remove all of their stuff immediately," says David Barney, who moved out of Lincoln Park for the night to avoid police contact. "The police used the words 'official warning.'"
While enforcement is delayed across the city, Occupy Denver's general assemblies will continue to convene inside the park on a regular basis. The group is still discussing sustainable alternatives to a physical occupation, and it will support those who continue to occupy overnight at Lincoln Park.
Kelsey Whipple A woman sleeps in Lincoln Park this morning.
"The fact that we've been able to maintain a physical occupation this long is kind of unprecedented," occupier Antony Hebblethwaite says. "But there are two layers: There are people who are occupying and people who are homeless. There are some people who have expressed an interest in staying overnight, and there are others who plan to move on and try other methods. They have to make their own decisions on what they need to do for themselves."
At least one occupier plans to stay in the park until he is removed by police officers. "I don't care if they arrest me on the sidewalk," says Tommy, who asked that his last name be withheld. "At least I won't be homeless anymore."
Kelsey Whipple
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