A press release from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office says Sheriff Brad Swain and 12 deputies went to the county courthouse at 2 a.m. Wednesday morning to clear any remaining protesters from the grounds without incident.
No arrests were made.
Update June 10, 12 p.m.
As of Wednesday morning, protesters were mostly gone from the downtown courthouse lawn in Bloomington.
And at Wednesday morning's Monroe County Commissioners' meeting, the commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to the county ordinance that keeps people from staying overnight on the courthouse grounds, citing public health and safety and preservation of the historic courthouse.
Some public commenters expressed concern about the expected eviction of protesters Tuesday night, but the commissioners reminded those present in the Zoom meeting that the ordinance governing courthouse hours is not a new one.
Original story:
County law enforcement did not show up by 11 p.m. Tuesday to remove protesters from the Monroe County courthouse lawn, despite notices that they would.
Chapter 262 of the Monroe County Code states the courthouse lawn is open for public use between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Patrick Ford is one of the individuals organizing the protests. He says he spoke with the Monroe County Sheriff's Department Monday night.
"They told us after 10:01 p.m. anything on the property is subject for confiscation," Ford says.
But at 10:01 p.m., no law enforcement officers arrived at the scene.
"While I'd love to see the protests go on, at the same time we have to understand that it is technically trespassing to be on this property," Ford says.
Ford says deputies did say that as long as people protest on the sidewalk, there are no time restrictions.
"He basically said the sidewalk is a public place. We don't have to leave," Ford says. "If someone wants to stand out on the corner all night long they can, and I'm sure there will be people doing that."
County officials are concerned about the overnight camping that started on the courthouse lawn last week.
Flyers were distributed by county officials at the downtown square Monday night indicating that all "camp facilities" and "paraphernalia" must be removed from the courthouse grounds by Friday at 10 a.m.
"I assure you that is is not the intention of Monroe County government to be punitive, but we are trying to equally enforce our laws so that the courthouse is clean, safe and kept in a healthy manner," county attorney Margie Rice says.
Rice says beginning Friday at 10 a.m. any equipment that is left on the courthouse lawn will be removed. She says the county is required to give a 72-hour notice before confiscating any tents or materials, and that's why the flyers were passed out.
Ford and other protesters say they don't want to spark violence.
"I preach peace. Everyone knows that and no matter what anyone says that might be antagonizing, I hope we keep that," Ford says.
