DENVER – Dozens of police in riot gear herded Wall Street protesters away from the Colorado state Capitol grounds early Friday, arresting 23 and dismantling their encampment.
Most of the demonstrators retreated without resisting, chanting “Peaceful!” or “Shameful!”
One person was arrested on a charge of simple assault, Colorado State Patrol Capt. Jeff Goodwin said. He did not elaborate, and no other violence was reported.
Goodwin said 21 people were arrested on charges of unlawful conduct on public land, and one on a jaywalking charge.
The protesters had been camped at the Capitol for about three weeks in support of the national Occupy Wall Street movement.
Officers carried or dragged some from the camp and led others by the arm. Stragglers were carried to small groundskeepers tractors and driven away.
“My main complaint is there is no more middle class in America. The rich control most of the money,” said David Humphrey, 24, of Pine. He carried a sign with a picture of President Barack Obama and the words “Change God bless.”
Dave Kelley of Arvada held up a sign supporting Gov. John Hickenlooper’s order for the protesters to vacate the park. “Right choice gov. No one is above the law,” it read.
Kelley, a flooring contractor, said
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