STAYING PUT

Occupy D.C. Vows to Flout Ban

At two parks near the White House.

Occupy D.C. protesters said Tuesday that they planned to remain in two parks near the White House despite an order by the U.S. National Park Service to stop camping in McPherson Square and Freedom Plaza. Unlike other cities, police avoided a confrontation with the occupiers throughout the winter, but now say protesters must remove bedding and cooking equipment. Tents would be allowed to remain as a protest symbol if their flaps remained open. Some protesters said they would comply, but the group erected a giant tent covered with moons and stars over a statue in McPherson Square to express their disapproval of the police order.