SEATTLE (AP) — Ten Occupy Seattle protesters were arrested after Westlake Park closed late Thursday night. That total was confirmed by Seattle police.
Detective Mark Jamieson says eight men and two women were arrested for obstructing. He says police focused on protesters associated with a small tent in the park and arrested them when they did not comply with orders to leave.
Protesters provided a live video feed of the arrests, accompanied by a steady drumbeat and shouts of “This is what democracy looks like.”
Organizers described police as being “very respectful.” Earlier in the day, Assistant Police Chief Mike Sanford said while police have been lenient about enforcing city regulations about park hours and camping in parks, that would change Thursday night. The park closed at 10 p.m.
