Police clear out Occupy Baltimore camp

BALTIMORE - They gathered again.  This time it was near City Hall but without tents.            

Around 3:30 Tuesday morning, protesters got an unexpected wake-up call.  Baltimore city police moved into McKeldin Square wearing full riot gear.

Thirty people were given just 20 minutes to leave.

"I was sleeping in one of the tents.  And the person sleeping in the tent with me woke me up, told me that we were being raided," said one protester.      

Tonight, the protesters are deciding what's next.  One idea is to occupy vacant housing in the city. 

“We are going to have a presence on the streets of Baltimore.  Occupy will be everywhere,” said a protester, who left this morning.           

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake says she will protect free speech, but camping at the park is not allowed.

"I certainly appreciate and respect the right to free speech, but as I said numerous times McKeldin Square is not a place for an encampment," she said.    

It didn't take long.  City cleaning crews moved into McKeldin Square, sweeping and power washing the park.  The tents are down, but the movement is most likely not over.

The protesters have fought for more jobs.  Many of them are without work and homeless.  The city offered services and over 20 people were taken to a city shelter.