Poor People's Campaign Attacked

Twin Cities IMC has minute by minute updates: twincities.indymedia.org
Coldsnap Legal Collective also has minute by minute updates: twitter.com/coldsnaplegal
UpTake Media has video of the raids: theuptake.org

FLOOD THE MAYORS' OFFICES ASAP
St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman
651-266-8510

Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak
(612) 673-2100
(612) 673-3000 outside Minneapolis

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At 2pm Thursday afternoon (Aug 28), the Poor People's Campaign set up a tent city - "Bushville" - on Harriet Island, on the south side of the Mississippi River from downtown St. Paul.

UPDATE Friday morning: Corporate media reports that 2 more activists at Bushville were arrested peacefully; the rest of the activists obeyed the order to disperse. Activists plan to return to Harriet Island today.

1:15 AM: The Pioneer Press is reporting: Negotiations for the campers' departure began about 11:30 p.m. Most of the protesters left after being threatened with arrest, but at least two were arrested.

TC-IMC UPDATE 11:45 PM: Several activists leaving Harriet Island were detained by police. One was arrested and the others were allowed to go.

At approximately 11:30 a caravan of about 10 squad cars and a paddywagon entered the park. Likely close to at least 100 cops surrounding the encampment. Situation developing. We will continue reports as we receive them by phone.

TC-IMC UPDATE 11:16 PM: 15-20 riot cops in full gear have entered park 'getting ready to go'.

TC-IMC UPDATE 11:14 PM: Police on bikes have surrounded area around encampment. About 50 cops. Other people in the park are not being hassled by police. There is a large van which appears to have plastic handcuffs - mass arrests possible. Situation developing.

TC-IMC UPDATE 10:59 PM: Police massing on bridge and from west end of Harriet Island park. Appear to be getting into formation & in a 'decision taking' type of mode. Police on bikes & receiving orders. Park legally closes @ 11 PM. [And so it begins...]

TC-IMC UPDATE: SUPPORT NEEDED AT 11PM TONIGHT - HARRIET ISLAND PARK

MPR is reporting the following:
Police say the protesters need to leave by 11 tonight, when the park closes. Camping isn't allowed in any of the city parks. Officers say they hope to avoid using force when removing the activists tonight. One police cruiser is on the scene, but so far no arrests have been made.

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The tent city is in need of support - tarps, water, food, amenities, and people to camp (provided they are sober, respectful, and willing to respect the leadership of the camp) and provide a supportive presence of this space. Come to Harriet Island!