Occupy protesters leave Haley a tent for Christmas

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The Occupy Columbia protesters have removed their tents and camping gear from the Statehouse, but not before leaving a tent as a Christmas present for South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who fought for more than a month to kick them off the capitol grounds.

About two dozen protesters marched Friday afternoon from the Statehouse to the Governor’s Mansion. They left a tent, decorated in red bows and green garland, outside the gates of the governor’s home and sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

A federal judge approved the state’s new rules prohibiting camping on Statehouse grounds Thursday. The protesters packed up their stuff Friday, ending two months of around-the-clock protests.

Occupy Columbia members say they will keep protesting at the Statehouse even without sleeping bags and tents.