Quan Chased from Occupy Oakland Rally
Mayor Jean Quan, who approved the removal by force of Occupy Oakland this week, apologized Thursday, even as protesters chased her from a rally and defied her requests not to camp by erecting 30 tents, a childcare center, a library and a small garden.
Quan was greeted with cries of “Go home!” and “Citizen’s Arrest” when she attempted to address hundreds of protesters gathered near City Hall late Thursday evening. The mayor retreated into the building after some demonstrators rushed at her, refusing to let her speak, witnesses said.
An hour earlier, Quan, who has been battered with criticism over Tuesday’s raid and violent aftermath, released a statement in which she directly addressed the protesters.
“I am deeply saddened about the outcome on Tuesday,” Quan said, according to the statement. “It was not what anyone hoped for, ultimately it was my responsibility, and I apologize for what happened.”