Early Saturday morning the US Park Police entered McPherson Square, only two blocks from the White House.

Their stated mission was to remove the large tarp, which Occupy DC had placed over the statue of General James B. McPherson to protest the announcement that the US Park Police would strictly enforce the ban on camping in federal parks.

Previously, they had given the protesters some leeway but reversed their position after being pressured by Republican Congressional leaders led by Rep. Darrell Issa, ironically the wealthiest member of Congress.

Initially Occupy DC cooperated with the US Park Police and agreed to dismantle the tarp and have their tents inspected. In exchange, several Occupiers would be allowed to monitor the inspection.

But as the hours wore on, word spread from the monitors that the US Park Police were removing tents that passed code.

Violence erupted throughout the day as police continued to tear down tents and cart away bedding and protesters’ belongings, some with trash and dead rats.

By early evening when the US Park Police began to inspect the last section of the park and moved in to clear out the Occupy library, many protesters decided to make a last stand.

They proved no match for the US Park Police who charged in, some on horses, and others on foot carrying shields and clubs. A few injuries and arrests ensued, including one officer who was hit by a brick.

As the Occupiers were pushed out into the street, they stood in a cold drizzle and bewildered, watched their camp being further dismantled