Erie Cuts Power Cord on ‘Occupy' Group

Occupy Erie are complaining that electricity has been shut off in the city-owned gazebo where they've set up camp - but local officials say that happens every year as part of “winterizing” the park.

The group, inspired by the Occupy Wall Street-type gatherings in cities across the country, has defended the protest as peaceful, and lawful and city officials don't disagree. But they have ordered the protesters to stop sleeping in the gazebo - because that's against a city ordinance - and cut the power on Nov. 1, which city officials tell the Erie Times-News is always done on that day.

Protesters are upset because space heaters, laptop computers and other devices can no longer be plugged in at the gazebo.

Protester Jared Schaaf says the city is “strengthening our resolve to stay.”