State clears much of small Occupy Indy encampment

INDIANAPOLIS — State officials have cleared most of the Occupy Indy encampment from the Indiana Statehouse lawn.

Department of Administration Commissioner Rob Wynkoop says that the small band of protesters had cleared most of its camping gear on Thursday but that more items were added overnight and he ordered the site cleared before dawn Friday.

Protester Greg Lambert of Indianapolis says he and others are “furious.”

State workers removed two tables and an American flag on Friday but left a few camping chairs. Protesters say the workers also took their protest signs but Wynkoop said he hadn’t heard about that.

Tensions during the otherwise subdued Indianapolis action rose Wednesday after Wynkoop ordered removal of most of protesters’ gear, citing safety concerns.