The extraction of the sitter is the latest development in the day-long stand off between UCPD officers and tree-sit supporters that began when UCPD officers and arborists began cutting down tree-sitters's supplies around 6:30 a.m. this morning.
Not all of the tree-sit supporters were present at about 7 a.m. when the police erected a makeshift fence, blocking the sidewalk on the east side of Piedmont Avenue and effectively keeping onlookers out of the grove area.
At about 10:45 this morning, unofficial tree-sit spokesperson Ayr broadcasted a call from a tree-sitter at a press conference who gave her take on the event.
"(UCPD) have shown no regard for our lives," the tree-sitter said. "They have physically attacked people up in (the) trees ... the university has completely lost their minds."
But Mogulof said UCPD has been instructed to go about removing support lines, structures and food as carefully as possible in order to prevent any injuries.
Both Mogulof and unofficial protest leader Zachary RunningWolf said that there are between eight and 12 people currently in the trees.
Tree-sitters have used bottles of excrement as ammunition against the officers and arborists who are attempting to take down their supplies, amidst yelling from onlookers and other protesters.
