Occupy L.A.: Fearing attacks, some officers wear hazmat suits

The Los Angeles Police Department's raid at the Occupy L.A. camp included officials in white latex hazmat suits.

Officials said the protective dress was needed out of concern some protesters might fling urine and feces at them as they began to clear out the park. It's unclear whether that actually happened.

Columns of police moved from several sides into the camp, which has been the subject of much debate across Los Angeles since it was set up nearly eight weeks ago.

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Lines of officers came from inside City Hall, forcing hundreds of protesters onto the south lawn and quickly encircling them.

The protesters were essentially trapped in the park. They linked arms as the police moved in. Some chanted "We are peaceful" and "We are the 99%."

Police tore down a large plastic structure on a stairwell and pulled out large bags of cement that protesters had placed in some tents.

The LAPD strategy appeared to be to trap protesters inside the park, sometimes pushing them with batons but not appearing to strike them. Some officers were armed with bean-bag rifles.

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-- Kate Linthicum and Ricardo Lopez

Photo: Officers in hazmat suits enter the Occupy L.A. encampment at City Hall. Credit: Robert Lachman / Los Angeles Times