Clashes between Occupy D.C. campers and U. S. Park Police (USPP) occurred early Saturday (Feb. 4) during an inspection of the park on McPherson Square.
Park Police initially told the occupiers that no tents would be confiscated as long as the tents were in compliance with the park rules, which prohibit items inside tents like sleeping bags, blankets and mattresses.
Members of the USPP were dressed in yellow sanitation suits as they searched the tents for violations. After they removed items, members of the National Park Service (NPS) dressed in white full-body sanitation suits, loaded the discarded items onto waiting trucks.
During a news conference, Park Police spokesman David Schlosser said the operation was a success and that occupiers cooperated with police.
However, his statement would change later, as occupiers and police faced several mishaps, including a violent take down of an occupier.
The incident set off a chain reaction of clashes between police and occupiers, and by 3 p.m. while about half of the park had been inspected, at least eight people were arrested.