SEATTLE -- Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn says he's being patient with the Occupy Seattle protestors camping out for a second week in the downtown Westlake Park.
In a statement Tuesday, he said he's supporting free speech while working to bring the group into compliance with city rules. McGinn is asking the group to move to City Hall, which can support protest campers.
Occupy Seattle issued its own statement Tuesday saying it will stage a march Saturday in coordination with the Occupy Wall Street protest against corporate power.
About four dozen protesters were tired and soggy Tuesday morning after cold, rainy night protesting in Westlake Park, despite an order by police to vacate or face going to jail. Many protestors decided to take a united stand and defied the order, but no arrests were made.
Seattle police and park rangers showed up at Westlake Park around 6 a.m. and asked protestors to temporarily move so park workers can scrub down the park. At first some protestors argued with the rangers, but they eventually agreed to move, placing their bags and belongings on benches while workers cleaned the park.
The Occupy Seattle protest is now in its second week. Last week, about two dozen people were arrested for refusing to remove tents, which are not allowed in the park.
Some businesses near Westlake Park have had enough, saying demonstrations are hurting business. The Seattle Police Department reports it has paid out more than $30,000 in overtime costs related to the Occupy Seattle protest.
Monday afternoon, Mayor Mike McGinn met with some protestors, urging them to push for more jobs and back President Obama's jobs bill. The mayor also asked protestors to move the demonstration to City Hall, something the protestors have refused to do.
KING 5's Natalie Swaby contributed to this report.
To add a comment, please register or login.