Authorities cleared Occupy Olympia protesters from a state park and a nearby building Friday, dismantling a sprawling tent city without making any arrests.Dozens of Washington State Patrol troopers wearing full riot gear methodically swept through Heritage Park, taking apart tents and providing room for officials to erect a temporary fence. They made no arrests as protesters largely obeyed orders to move.
Some of the protesters had moved into a vacant building across the street. Authorities surrounded that facility and eventually allowed the occupants to leave.
Occupy activist Leon Janssen said it's not clear where the protesters will go next. He said the movement is just beginning and that the group plans to have weekly meetings in the state Capitol.
The protesters have recently been targeting the Legislature, which is looking at making deep cuts in social services programs to balance the budget.
Occupiers first erected their tent community in Heritage Park two months ago, and state officials largely allowed it to persist despite asking for it to end. Government leaders notified them of eviction Thursday, citing concerns about drug use and safety.