Police Clear Occupy Oakland, Arrest 25

Police in riot gear moved to clear out the Occupy Oakland camp early today, arresting dozens as protesters watched. Hundreds of police moved in at about 5am, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Protesters had broken into two groups, with some defending the tent city and hundreds of others standing, marching, and dancing outside in protest. So far, 25 people have been arrested.

Many tents were already deserted when police moved in, according to the San Jose Mercury News. One that wasn’t: An “interfaith tent,” where police arrested 14 who had been praying all night. As they were handcuffed, they sang “We Shall Overcome.” Protesters had ample warning of the raid, and some had removed their tents in anticipation. But many said they would soon return. “Whatever they do, they’re going to just make us keep going,” one protester said. “The camp is not going to go away.” (More Occupy Oakland stories.)