Minneapolis clears Black Lives Matter protest site near police precinct

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Minneapolis police have removed an encampment on the street installed by activists protesting the shooting death of a man by police.

The camp, on Minneapolis' Plymouth Avenue near the Fourth Precinct headquarters, was taken down after about 50 protesters were ordered to leave the area they've occupied for the past two weeks. Police spokesman Scott Seroka said several arrests were made.

The encampment was part of a daily protest led by the Black Lives Matter movement, and protesters have gathered there since Nov. 15, when Jamar Clark, 24, was shot in a confrontation with police. The police union said Clark was attempting to reach for an officer's gun during an altercation when he was shot in the head. Witnesses said Clark was handcuffed at the time.

Neighbors complained about noise, vandalism and blocked streets Wednesday at a City Council safety meeting, prompting Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges to order the clearing of the camp. At least two municipal dump trucks were required to haul away tents, blankets and other material from the site early Thursday. Plymouth Avenue remains closed to traffic, as it has for the past 18 days.

Black Lives Matter Minneapolis called for a rally for later Thursday at City Hall.