Later Sunday, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, a vocal supporter of the Occupy Wall Street protests, visited the Philadelphia encampment.
At the news conference, Nutter voiced frustration at the difficulty of communicating with protesters who he said had repeatedly failed to follow through on promises made during seemingly cordial meetings. He said a key problem was continual change in those who tried to speak for the protesters.
"Many of the people that we talked to from the beginning of this event and activity are now gone," Nutter said. "And Occupy Philly has refused to engage in active, regular discussions with us."
Nutter said city officials were especially worried about the presence of tents, bedding, and other flammable materials on a densely packed site where campers have been using lanterns, candles, and even propane heaters. At least one tent has been destroyed by fire, he said.
"It is now abundantly clear that on many levels, this group is violating a range of city ordinances and the terms of their permit," Nutter said. "Of necessity, we are now at a critical point where we must reevaluate our entire relationship with this very changed group."
Some Occupy Philly participants questioned Nutter's timing and motives, along with some of his assertions. At the same time, some acknowledged that minor crime has been a problem and perhaps inevitable as protesters live alongside some of the city's homeless population and other transients.
"I think he's being unfair in a lot of the language that he's used," said Jesse Kudler, 31, a West Philadelphia resident who works for a nonprofit arts organization.
