Shooting Incident At Occupy Burlington Encampment

Shooting Incident At Occupy Burlington Encampment





By Dell Hill

The Burlington (Vermont) Free Press is reporting, in a copyrighted story, that there’s been a serious shooting incident in Vermont’s Queen City.

Copyright Burlington Free Press

Police say a 35-year-old man is in grave condition after an apparent shooting in City Hall Park, the scene of the Occupy Burlington encampment. Police said it will be several hours before they know more, but did say there is no danger to the public. Police said they have recovered the weapon.

At a police briefing at the park Burlington Deputy Police Chief Andi Higbee said police received a 911 call a little after 2 p.m. of a discharged firearm in the park.

A motionless man was removed from a green tent where blood was evident. About a half dozen police cars were at the scene at about 2:20 p.m.

"We do not believe the public is at risk," Higbee said.

Multiple people in the Occupy Burlington camp including Tod Lacroix said they understand the shooting was self-inflicted.

Police said they were trying to get a warrant to go in to the tent where the shooting apparently happened.

"When you have a discharge of a firearm in a place like this there's good cause to be gravely concerned," Higbee said.

Occupy Burlington encampment has been at the park since Oct. 28.
Firearms are not allowed in City Hall Park.

Wednesday night protesters rocked to internationally known gypsy punk musicians from Gogol Bordello. Today protesters are consoling each other.

Police have the encampment taped off. Some people are inside the tape, some are at the edges of the park are hugging and crying.”