As protesters trickled back into Zuccotti Park without their tents and tarps last night, they pledged to make tomorrow’s International Day of Action one this city will never forget.
“On the 17th, mark my words, we’re going to burn this city down,” said Nkrumah Tinsley, 29.
Protester Eli Moses said Tuesday’s midnight police raid on the park only “invigorated” the movement.
“Anyone who was in that raid is going to be more angry than scared,” said Moses, 22. “We have to get more intense if we want anything to change. There are a lot of things that are going to happen tomorrow.”
Occupy Wall Street protesters are planning a litany of events meant to disrupt New York City in commemoration of the group’s two-month anniversary.
As several hundred protesters entered the park after sunset, they cried and hugged in celebration.
They were searched by police before entering, to make sure they didn’t bring in sleeping bags, tarps or tents, all items that are now contraband in the private park.
But many of the protesters vowed that even without their gear, they’re staying put at Zuccotti, no matter how cold it gets.
“It’s really good to be home,” said J.A. Myerson, 25, who is looking forward to Thursday. “A lot of people are willing to throw their bodies into the streets for this movement.”
What to expect
7 a.m. Shut Down Wall Street: Protesters will meet in the park, before the opening of the Stock Exchange. “Tomorrow the opening bell will be shut down,” said Eli Conrad, 23.
3 p.m. Occupy the subways:
5 p.m. Foley Square: Protesters say thousands will gather at Foley Square and will then march across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Salvaged books are up for grabs
Books seized from Zuccotti Park during the massive crackdown yesterday will be available for pickup today.
The “Occupy Wall Street Library” first started when college students who joined the movement wanted to designate a secure space for their textbooks. It quickly grew to include thousands of donated books as supporters spread the story via social media.
Julie Wood, a spokeswoman for Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s office, said via Twitter that the confiscated books are safely stored at the 57th Street Sanitation Garage. Anyone can go there to claim them today.
Follow Emily Anne Epstein on Twitter @EmilyatMetro.
