DENVER
As the first major snowstorm of the season hit Denver overnight, Occupy Denver protesters said several people suffering from hypothermia had to be removed from Lincoln Park.
With rain falling Tuesday night and temperatures dropping into the 30s, a Denver police officer warned activists that they had to take down tents and other structures in the park because they were violating local ordinances, according to a YouTube video titled, "People will die in the cold," posted by activists.
"All right, people are going to die tonight," a protester replied on the video.
Another activist told the officer the tents "are not coming down."
"Sir, I'm going to start making arrests, here," the officer replied on the video. "I'm being clear on what ? the law is and I'm going to enforce the law. We'll make arrests if we have to. I don't want to go that route."
Activists on
posted urgent requests for supplies to combat the winter-like weather.
"It is a rough night for Occupy Denver team 24/7 tonight. Tarps, waterproof blankets and bedding, cold weather clothing, all could help them," an activist posted at about 12:30 a.m. Wednesday.
On Tuesday night, someone posted: "Occupation needs: Tarps, carpet remnants (for ground cover), cold weather & waterproof clothing, sleeping bags -- Our occupiers are up against a helluva situation with the oncoming weather. Let's show some support!"
On YouTube mid-Tuesday, when the weather was still sunny and warm, a man urged supporters to bring tents to the park before nightfall.
"Some people will die this winter in this occupation if we don't have shelter," the man said. "People aren't going to go someplace else. We're going to go right here, because we've chosen to make a stand right here?And so you can make a stand with us."
Word of the YouTube video spread on Twitter and a Washington Post news blog reported the snowbound showdown in the park with the headline: "Denver weather turns wintry; Occupy protesters say they fear they will die."
Some Twitter posters weren't sympathetic to tweets that "2 occupy Denver people are hospitalized with hypothermia."
"I got a quick fix ... Go home!" a man tweeted back.
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