BREAKING: Occupy Providence Camp Attacked By “Unidentified Man”

The Occupy Providence protesters in Burnside Park were startled early this morning when a college student stormed the park and damaged some of the members’ tents.

It is unclear if alcohol played a role in the matter, but in a statement, the group said the man was “non-violently apprehended” and they chose not to press charges.

“At approximately 2:32am on Saturday an unidentified man rushed into the Occupy Providence camp at Burnside Park screaming obscenities, damaging property, and startling protesters,” the statement said. “He vandalized several tents and began attacking the camp's food donation unit before being non-violently apprehended by members of Occupy Providence's Safety and Support working group.”

The group then voted to allow the offender to “seek private restitution” with the members who had their property damaged. The man also agreed to attend a nonviolence workshop in the park.

“The man, who was later identified, was then turned over to the authorities,” the statement said. “An assembly was called in the park as members of the group decided on whether to press charges. Occupiers unanimously voted to allow the alleged offender to seek private restitution with those whose property was damaged. In addition, Occupiers decided to ask that the suspect participate in an Occupy Providence orientation and overview workshop on Sunday at 4pm and a non-violence training on Monday at 6pm (both to be held in Burnside Park.)The alleged offender identified himself as a student in a local college, and expressed that he was willing to attend the events, as well as pay for any damages to personal property. The Occupy Providence Safety & Support working group further discussed camp safety after he was released, praising the cooperation between Occupiers and the local police and agreeing that the de-escalation and non-violence tactics used by Occupiers were highly effective.”

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