WASHINGTON — Sunday night Washington and Park Service police tore down a makeshift, wooden community center erected by Occupy DC protestors in McPherson Square. At 11 a.m. the protestors were given a 12 p.m. deadline to disassemble the shelter, but failed to do so.
Police set up barriers around the structure. They warned protestors not to cross police lines, but some did.
According to a police representative, 16 were arrested — 15 for failing to obey police order, one for public indecency.
Police were also seen searching tents in the southeast corner of McPherson Square, as well as taking pictures. There was talk among the protestors that the police were searching for drugs. No evictions were announced as of 9 p.m., however one protestor was making a list of people who lived in that section of the park. She said the police would inform them before proceeding with evictions.