Park Police to enforce no-camping rule at Occupy DC sites

The National Park Service notified Occupy D.C. protesters in the nation's capital on Friday that camping will be prohibited at the McPherson Square and Freedom Plaza sites beginning on Monday.

Protesters will still be allowed to hold around-the-clock vigils — however, use of the land for sleeping, storing personal belongings or using temporary tents or shelters will be prohibited.

The NPS distributed fliers to protesters at both sites on Friday, saying that beginning Jan. 30 the U.S. Park Police “will commence enforcement of the long-standing National Park Service regulations.”

“It is our intent that this flyer will motivate the demonstrators to come into compliance with these important regulations so as to avoid enforcement actions that would disrupt their daily focus on their First Amendment message,” said Park Police Capt. Kathleen Harasek.

In December, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) said he wanted answers on whether “political judgments played a role” in allowing the Occupy protesters — part of the larger Occupy Wall Street movement — to remain at the encampment. Earlier this month Washington Mayor Vincent Gray (D) asked the park service to evict the protesters.

Issa claimed that much of McPherson Square’s $400,000 in stimulus improvements had been destroyed by the protesters.

Bob Vogel, superintendent of the national mall and memorial parks, said the agency's intention isn't to stifle free speech.

“The National Park Service takes very seriously its tradition of providing opportunities for First Amendment activities,” he said. “We have a long history spanning several decades of 24-hour First Amendment vigils.”

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