Author: Mike

On the evening of November 5, Occupy Worcester members set up 8 tents on the Common. Shortly after 10pm, when the Common is closed to visitors, police warned the occupiers they would be arrested, then arrested them. OW says 19 were arrested, including a legal observer who somehow got caught up in things.

Update: Police press release. (I am a big fan of police press releases, but even this one is not a definitive account of the events. For example, contrary to what this press release says, I’m pretty sure Holly did not get arrested on the Common, since I watched her get arrested on Major Taylor Boulevard.)

Supporters of the arrestees marched from the Common to the police station, walking in the road until they too were threatened with arrest. After the group moved onto the sidewalk, two of them darted into the road, and one of these was arrested. A friend of this man walked out into the road after him and was also arrested. A third marcher was arrested under unclear circumstances.

Charges against those arrested include trespassing and disturbing the peace. As I write this they are posting bail and being released from lockup. You can view the website for more information

. There are many videos/pictures/accounts online—over the next day I’ll add some links to this post.

Occupying the police station lawn on a cold night, waiting for those arrested to be released.

Occupy Worcester Arrests, 11/05/2011 from Matthew Wright on Vimeo.

At today’s Occupy Worcester general assembly, it was decided that people would attempt to set up an encampment on Worcester Common tonight at 8pm.

Organizers have been warned that people camping on the Common will be arrested. Mayor Joe O’Brien, who spoke twice at the general assembly, reiterated the City’s arrest warning.

(I think that if people are arrested, these would be the first arrests for civil disobedience in Worcester since 2008.)

Here’s some video of the general assembly, just for transparency’s sake. (Part 1 currently missing, pending file recovery…)

Below, the mayor speaks a second time.

After a 30-person march through downtown yesterday, there was another general assembly. It was decided there’d be a march Friday, and that GAs would continue to be held on the Common, alternating between 4pm and 6pm. Next GA October 19, 6pm.

People split into various working groups or committees to plan out direct actions, outreach, and the like.

People continue to camp in Lake Park for the time being.

For those who’ve enjoyed watching previous videos of the GAs, here’s another. Please enjoy my grouchy co-facilitation.

Today is the first day of Occupy Worcester’s actual physical occupation, relocated to “Camp Quinsigamond” in Lake Park last night after a brief moment on the Common.

T&G: Protesters relocate; OCCUPY WORCESTER MOVES TO AVOID ARREST

Worcester Magazine: photos

Worcester Police Department press release: Protestors Stay the Night at Lake Park

When I stopped by today at lunch, 15 people were at the camp. It’s a beautiful site on Lake Quinsigamond, with all the campground amenities.

I can’t confirm this on the website, but I believe the next general assembly is Monday, 6pm, on the Common.

I believe that the land currently being occupied is state land. I also believe that the city is getting their act together today occupy-wise and considering whether there might be better sites. Lots of rumors at the moment.

To visit the camp via public transit, take the #16 bus to Lake Park and walk towards the lake, looking for tents.

From last night:

The brief occupation of the Common, the police, and the decision to move to Lake Park

Worcester residents today gathered at Clark University and marched to City Hall in a show of solidarity with the nationwide Occupy movement.

109 people marched. When they reached Worcester Common, they began the city’s third “general assembly.”

Update: As mentioned in this detailed T&G article, people may Occupy Worcester Common as early as 6pm, October 16.