(WASHINGTON, DC) -- Mayor Vincent C. Gray issued the following statement regarding the demonstrations associated with the Occupy D.C. movement:

“Until recently, the Occupy D.C. movement and its demonstrations have been peaceful. The report of aggressive action by some protestors last Friday evening was not indicative of what we have come to expect from Occupy D.C. demonstrators.

While I will always support the peaceful exercise of First Amendment rights, my administration must and will take all steps necessary to ensure that everyone’s safety, property and rights are protected – including D.C. residents, visitors, and the protestors themselves.

I am concerned about reports that recent actions by some individuals associated with Occupy D.C. have turned more aggressive. We will not tolerate behavior that jeopardizes public safety. I urge all involved in the Occupy D.C. demonstrations to show restraint and to ensure that their protests are peaceful and not discredited by violence.”