10 arrested after occupying building

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

District of Columbia police arrested around 10 protesters Saturday after they entered a city-owned building in downtown Washington that was being occupied by a group inspired by Occupy D.C.

Supporters of the protesters cheered as officers led demonstrators outside in handcuffs and into two police vans.

The group Free Franklin began occupying the four-story Franklin School on Saturday, protesting the lack of housing for homeless people. The historic building served as a homeless shelter until 2008.

Participants with handkerchiefs over their faces lowered a banner from the roof that said “Public Property under Community Control.” More than 60 supporters gathered in a park near the historic building and cheered the protesters. The building is two blocks from Occupy D.C.’s encampment.

Spokeswoman Abigail DeRoberts said earlier Saturday that protesters plan to remain in the building indefinitely.

Police watched as protesters hung the banner and later called firefighters and more officers to the scene.

Protesters said police and firefighters then entered the building with crowbars and other instruments. Supporters blocked alleys around the building and chanted, “We are the 99 percent.” By early evening, the banner had come down.

Demonstrators blocked alleys next to the building even after police officers went inside.

A spokesperson for Mayor Vincent Gray told ABC7 in Washington that the protesters in the building at 13th and K Street, NW “will be removed and arrested.”

A police spokesman was unavailable Saturday evening to confirm the number of arrests and what charges were being brought.

After the arrests, more than 50 protesters remained in the middle of 13th Street, NW, which was blocked off by police cars. Some chanted, “Our children’s future is not for sale.”