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Judge issues new order to oust Occupy Pittsburgh
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An Allegheny County Common Pleas Court judge has issued a supplemental order compelling the county sheriff to oust all Occupy Pittsburgh protesters and tents from Mellon Green.
Judge Christine Ward had previously given the protesters three days to vacate the space. The deadline passed this morning at 11:15 a.m. as protesters continued to gather and about a dozen tents remained.
But Sheriff William Mullen said he would not have his deputies enforce it until they got a specific order to do so, which came this afternoon.
At a brief hearing this afternoon, Lisa Michel of the Sheriff's office said they would reserve discretion as to when deputies would remove protesters and tents from the park.
Sheriff Mullen declined to comment on how soon his deputies would act.
Meanwhile, some protesters made preparations to "resist" and get arrested.
"It probably means the end is near," said Marvin Fein, an attorney representing Occupy Pittsburgh. He told the judge that the tents that remain may have been abandoned by occupiers.
At a news conference earlier today, some Occupy members vowed to continue their movement, though there was no clear consensus as to whether campers would remain in defiance of the order.
Echoing the sentiment heard throughout the news conference, participant Maria Somma said actions, teach-ins and protests would continue "camp or no camp."
First Published February 6, 2012 1:19 pm
