Occupy Norfolk explores legal action

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Occupy Norfolk supporters called a news conference Friday afternoon to denounce police response and the city's decision to take away the group's camping permit.

The group had been Downtown for the past 30 days.

10 On Your Side's cameras were there when police moved in to arrest six Occupy Norfolk supporters, as they tried to re-enter a park that was closed after their camping permit expired. Anita Casiero said she was merely trying to get her belongings at the time.

"We never posed any problem with police. We were treated like animals. We were treated like criminals," Casiero said.

The city took away the group's campsite and possessions after giving a three hour notice.

Occupy Norfolk organizer James McPherson said, "Their possessions were transported across the city and police came armed to the teeth."

The group is now considering its legal options.

Dave Potvin, with Occupy Norfolk's legal team, said, "We have already set up for the defense of our arrestees and we may also have a legal offense against the city for the denial of our First Amendment rights and for the confiscation of our possessions."

The city, in a prepared statement Thursday, said at no time did the city express camping would continue indefinitely and that the collected items are in a secure place ready for pick-up.

The group told WAVY.com it plans to maintain its vigils Downtown and elsewhere.