Un-Occupy Norfolk

The Occupy movement has spread nationwide in the past month or so, even here locally in Norfolk, VA. The Occupy Norfolk protestors set up their campsite in between the city's corporate building and the Confederate Monument. The organizer of Occupy Norfolk, James McPherson, 24, received a legal permit from the city to set up their campsite with a maximum of 30 protestors.

On Thursday, campsite occupants were woken up at 6 a.m. and told that they had three hours to remove their belongings. The people were unaware that they would be asked to remove their campsite so quickly. According to McPherson, he met with the Assistant City Manager and deputy city attorneys on Wednesday and was told that they keep the encampment until the Grand Illumination Parade on November 19th. So, Thursday morning was quite shock to all the campers. Many of the Occupy protesters believe the city handled the situation poorly. Six were peacefully arrested after the park was closed. The arrests happened around 9 a.m. when some of the protesters tried to get back in the encampment to retrieve their personal belongings. All six were given summonses and released. While the police were polite, the protestors still did not think the arrests were necessary. The protestors stated that their mission was not about having a permanent campsite but promoting their cause about bank reforms and stopping corporate influence in politics. Unlike many of other places around the states, Norfolk did not have any problems with the Occupy Norfolk tenure.

If you or someone you know has had a run-in with the police and are in need of representation, please call local Hampton Roads Attorney Michael S. Weisberg for help with your case. Call, e-mail or fill-out the form on the company website to set up your free initial consultation.