‘Occupy’ Protestors Told to Leave

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — After more than a month of demonstrating on the lawn of the State House, Occupy Columbia protestors are demanded by Gov. Nikki Haley to vacate the premises. At a press briefing Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Haley announced the deomnstrators had cost the state some $17,000 in extra law enforcement and manpower. Had the demonstrators remained at the State House until February as they originally planned, Haley says that could have cost taxpayers and additional $70,000. She says personnel have had to deal with removing toilet paper, bagging trash, and repairing bushes when demonstrators had ‘gone to the bathroom.’ The governor says she, local and state lawmakers and other citiziens have had enough. The decision comes after the governor says the group, which proclaims to not have a designated leader, failed to secure official permission in writing to demonstrate after 6:00pm. Haley says any demonstration taking place after hours must acquire approval from her office. Occupy Columbia has been at the State Capitol to protest what they believe is unequal distribution of wealth in the country, stating they are the ‘99%.’