WH Press briefing Nov 1, DHS involved in OWS-Portland

[The Straight Story]

Q Thank you. I'd like to talk about the Occupy Movement. In Portland last night, federal security officers joined the Portland police in clearing out and arresting campers who were staying overnight in a federal plaza. What is the federal policy on dealing with these protesters?

MR. CARNEY: Well, this is, I think, a unique circumstance, the first of its kind. I would refer to DHS in this case, because it was -- involved I think the Federal Protective Service, as well as local Portland authorities.

Our broad posture here is that we understand the frustrations that have been expressed by many Americans in different cities across the country about, broadly speaking, the economy and also about the need for Wall Street to work by the same rules that Main Street works by.

It’s also the case, as I’ve said in answer to questions about situations in other cities, that everyone needs to behave, handle themselves in a lawful way. But I don't have anything specific about that particular incident.

Q I just didn't know if that was usual for them to be involved.

MR. CARNEY: Well, I think the case -- the issue here was that it was federal property. So it -- just as if something happens in one of the federal parks here it might involve the National Park Service or something like that. So I think that was the reason in this case.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2011/11/01/press-briefing#transcript

[laconicsax]

1. Federal plaza. n/t

[tularetom]

2. This guy Carney seems as slimy and evasive as

any of the WH press shills that we all grew to know and dislike during the cheney administration.

[hedgehog]

3. While they are under DHS, they are hardly storm troopers:

The FPS mission is to render federal properties safe and secure for federal employees, officials and visitors in a professional and cost effective manner by deploying a highly trained and multi-disciplined police force. As the federal agency charged with protecting and delivering integrated law enforcement and security services to facilities owned or leased by the General Services Administration (GSA), FPS employs 1,225 federal staff (including 900 law enforcement security officers, criminal investigators, police officers, and support personnel) and 15,000 contract guard staff to secure over 9,000 buildings and safeguard their occupants. FPS provides comprehensive coverage for these facilities nationwide.

http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/gc_1253889058003.shtm

Mind you - I don't know how this group behaved, but we aren't talking black helicopters here.