New York (CNN) — Cities facing angry protests from the Occupy movement braced today for what could be the largest demonstrations yet.
From New York to Los Angeles, organizers were calling for a “mass day of action” to mark two months since the movement began.
In New York, where the movement began as Occupy Wall Street, the planned events included “shut down Wall Street;” “occupy the subways,” a plan to gather at 16 hubs, and “take the square,” a reference to Foley Square, across from City Hall.
“Enough of this economy that exploits and divides us. It’s time we put an end to Wall Street’s reign of terror and begin building an economy that works for all,” the organizing website occupywallst.org said, adding, “before the Stock Exchange, we will exchange stories rather than stocks.”
Organizers also plan a march across the Brooklyn Bridge.
A heavy police presence was in place this morning as protesters gathered for the early morning demonstration against Wall Street.
“We’ll make sure, if people want to peacefully protest, they have the right to,” said Howard Wolfson, New York City deputy mayor. “If people break the law, we’ll have to deal with that.”
“If they attempt to enter a building they’re not allowed in, that’s breaking the law. If they want to express their concerns about Wall Street, that’s totally fine,” Wolfson told CNN’s “American Morning.”
“It could be a very fluid situation,” he said, adding that “police on the ground are very well trained to deal with these situations.”
A website listing events being organized nationwide, occupytogether.org, called for “mass non-violent direct action” Thursday.
Among the events listed is “occupy colleges,” when students will gather at their school to protest rising costs and “diminishing quality.”
In Portland, Oregon, plans include “occupy banks.” “Let’s shut them down!” the organizing website n17pdx.org says.
And in Los Angeles, organizers called for a protest downtown, shutting down an intersection.
Events are also planned in Boston, Minneapolis, and other cities.
