Occupy Denver Protests Escalate Outside State Capitol
DENVER (CBS4)- Demonstrations by Occupy Denver protesters continued Thursday night outside the state Capitol.
The crowd started to get rowdy after dark Thursday evening when they received word that police would try to round up the protesters.
Colorado State Troopers said they will enforce the 11 p.m. curfew. That means all of the tents and other structures must come down by that deadline.
A news conference planned for outside the state Capitol at 9:30 p.m. had to be moved inside for the safety of the media and state troopers. Protesters pounded on the doors to get in.
Police said they've done all the talking and negotiating they can and now it's time for the protests to end.
Protesters cannot camp in the park. They must vacate the space between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.
"We've done what we can and will continue to partner with the leadership that exists with Occupy Denver to really work towards a really peaceful, uneventful end to this here. When people leave peacefully with the goal of having this place empty at 11 p.m.," said Colo. State Patrol Col. Jim Wolfinbarger.
RELATED STORY: Occupy Denver Protesters Must Vacate After Dark
Gov. John Hickenlooper said camping on state property is illegal.
"Occupy Denver" set up camp last week. The movement started in New York with people protesting Wall Street greed. The crowd has grown considerably since Monday. There are more than 70 tents with dozens of protesters. They are vowing not to leave without a fight.
Hickenlooper asked the protesters to disperse today, but they said they aren't going anywhere.
The U.S. Naval Reserve has a permit to conduct an event at Lincoln Park on Saturday.
