Originally post by Street Spirt
The City of Berkeley is conducting a surprise sweep operation at the Eighth and Harrison encampment today, June 4. Berkeley police cordoned off the intersection at 6AM and ordered residents to vacate without notice. Those who did not immediately follow orders were roused with smoke canisters and less-lethal firearms. As of this writing, less-lethal rounds were fired at one encampment resident, and he was arrested soon after.
The City of Berkeley had originally posted notice for the encampment’s eviction in February, but was stalled after residents and Berkeley Homeless Union filed lawsuits requesting ADA accommodations and adequate shelter alternatives. A district judge granted the plaintiffs a temporary restraining order (TRO) on February 14.
The TRO expired on May 23, and the union was in the process of filing a new preliminary injunction to halt impending sweeps at both Eighth & Harrison and Ohlone Park.
A hearing for this new case is set for tomorrow, June 5. Sources on the ground believe that the city is acting upon the original February eviction notice, and that today’s sweep will render the new court filing moot—if the encampment is no longer in place, there’s no argumentative basis for the new case.
Based on available information, residents have not been offered shelter so far today, and are not allowed back inside the cordon to collect property.
This is a developing story. Follow @wheredowegoberkeley@berkeley.homeless.union
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