War protesters’ permit ends

As 6 p.m. approached, the protesters – who had lined Forbes Avenue for 24 hours and… As 6 p.m. approached, the protesters – who had lined Forbes Avenue for 24 hours and positioned themselves between two fences set up by the city – began folding up their blankets and stacking their signs. The Pittsburgh Organizing Group prepared for the moment when its permit would end.

At 6:02 p.m., they filed out of the fences.

Members of POG began to shout over the crowd of protesters, onlookers and Pittsburgh city police.

“We are here because the anti-war movement is under attack, and our rights are under attack,” said POG member Laney Troutman, after being told by the police that their permitted protest time had run out.

At 6:19 p.m., Pittsburgh Public Works trucks arrived and began loading the fences onto their trucks.

Chants of “Tear down the fence!” and “We didn’t want it anyway!” began to erupt from the protesters, who had re-positioned themselves along the sidewalk.

The protesters, who plan to stay in that very spot until Sept. 30, with or without a permit, are now under strict surveillance by the police.

“They must be on their feet and they must leave ample room for pedestrians,” said Sgt. Larry Scirotto of the Pittsburgh city police.

Protesters must remain in a picket line and cannot sit in chairs for the remainder of their stay on Forbes Avenue or “they will be removed,” Scirotto said.

Not only does POG plan to stick to their month-long protest, but 21-year-old ex-Pitt student Mike Butler plans on sticking to his “End War Fast,” which he has been at since noon on Tuesday.

“I think actions speak louder than words,” Butler said.

He plans on consuming nothing but water and vitamin supplements until noon on Sept. 30.

So far, Butler says the fast has only left him with a lingering hunger, as expected.

“I’m a little lightheaded when I stand up,” he said.