WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Seven Occupy D.C. protesters were arrested Saturday in a U.S. Park Police crackdown on camping in central Washington.
The raid on the encampment in McPherson Square began before sunrise, The Washington Post reported. Four people were arrested during the day for refusing to leave an area that was being cleared of tents, sleeping bags and rubbish, and three were detained later, police said.
Sgt. David Schlosser said the raid was not an eviction of protesters. He described it as "nuisance abatement" to enforce regulations that allow 24-hour vigils on federal property in Washington but not camping or sleeping.
Protesters said some of the tents removed by police were empty "vigil tents" allowed under the regulations. Others described the action as an eviction.
"We're being evicted without tear gas," said Melissa Byrne, a protester from the district.
Police said a week ago they would begin enforcing rules.
