Occupy Denver Protesters Moving To Federal Building
DENVER (AP) -- Occupy Wall Street supporters in Denver are preparing to move from Civic Center Park to another city park across from the downtown Federal Reserve building Friday night to make way for a Veteran's Day celebration that includes a parade and honor roll reading of war heroes.
Protesters say they plan instead to march in front of downtown banks Saturday as part of a national movement to urge people to close their national bank accounts and transfer their money to local credit unions.
Activists in Pueblo and Grand Junction are also planning to participate in the effort.
Banks that are being targeted in the national movement include Wells Fargo, Citibank and Chase.
Cristie Drumm, spokeswoman for Wells Fargo banks in Colorado, said several Wells Fargo banks will be open Saturday, but she doesn't know which banks will be targeted.
"Folks are allowed to protest as long as they obey the law and don't block our ability to serve customers," she said. She said she doesn't know how much money protesters have withdrawn.
Citibank said it has no branch offices in Colorado, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. did not return a phone call seeking comment.
Protesters say they plan to return to Civic Center Park on Sunday, after the veterans' ceremonies are over.
Denver Parks and Recreation spokeswoman Kathy Green says there is no problem if the protesters move to Denver Skyline Park across from the Federal Reserve as long as they don't interfere with other groups that have permits to use the park. She says the park is reserved next week for construction of a skating rink.
"They don't need a permit if it's just an assembly," Green said.
Denver Police spokesman Sonny Jackson said police are aware that the protesters plan to move on Friday. He said police will respect their right to assemble, as long as they behave themselves. He said police also have no problem with the protesters using the crowded 16th Street Mall as long as they are peaceful.
Denver protesters have had the largest turnout during weekend marches, sometimes drawing up to 2,000 supporters. Last week, protesters had their tensest confrontation with authorities yet, with police using pellets filled with pepper spray. Ultimately, 15 people were arrested in the evening at the park across the street from the Capitol.
By Steven K. Paulson, AP Writer (© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
