Mayor Michael Hancock today issued the following statement regarding the arrest of at least 24 people in Lincoln Park this morning: As Mayor of this great city, I strongly believe in the public’s right to free speech and assembly. As an elected official, it is my responsibility to balance the First Amendment with concerns for public safety and public health
“„As Mayor of this great city, I strongly believe in the public’s right to free speech and assembly. As an elected official, it is my responsibility to balance the First Amendment with concerns for public safety and public health.
“„That is why I ordered the Denver Police Department to support the Colorado State Patrol’s operation to disperse hundreds of protesters occupying Lincoln Park. The protesters were violating State statutes and City ordinances, and it was necessary to consistently apply the law and discontinue this illegal conduct on public property.
“„I will continue to support the protesters’ First Amendment rights. We will make every effort to maintain open and amicable conversations with Occupy Denver, while encouraging them to exercise lawful options and hold their protests within the legal parameters of both state and city law.
“„I also want to commend the Denver Police Department and Colorado State Patrol for their professionalism throughout this operation.