the protesters to to the right side of your screen standing in the middle of k. street. several blocks in all directions are completely shut down this operation began more than 12 hours ago. park police arrived in force in the predawn hours. some on horseback, some in full riot gear, including hard helmets and hand held shields. a helicopter hovered above. the first priority for police, a blue tarp draped by protesters over the lower part of the statue of civil war general james mcpherson. two demonstrators sat atop the tarp but after negotiations, the plastic came down. pedestrian barriers were erected throughout the park and people were removed from each section, so that park police could inspect tents. those with camping material in them were removed. so were blankets, pillows, and personal belongings. at first, disposal bags were labeled and police 15eud the owners could retrieve their property. later maintenance workers simply threw the belongings in the back of trash tr