Los Angeles May Sue Occupy Protesters

Two-month encampment cost cash-strapped city at least $2.3 million

The city of Los Angeles is weighing a lawsuit against Occupy LA protesters to recoup financial damages sustained during the two-month encampment.

William Carter, chief deputy for city attorney Carmen Trutanich, tells the Los Angeles Times the city is "contemplating any and all of its options."

A report released Friday estimated the encampment on the City Hall lawn cost the budget-strapped city at least $2.3 million not including the cost to restore the lawn to its original condition.

Police broke up the camp last month and arrested nearly 300 people. An estimated $1.6 million was spent on police overtime.

Occupy L.A. representative Carlos Marroquin told the paper the numbers are "outrageous" and argued the city should have money set aside for protests. He also blamed the police for their violent response with an unnecessary amount of officers.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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