County posts notice of removal of “camp facilities” at courthouse protest site; protesters said they were then told to leave county property by 10:01 p.m. Tuesday or face arrest

Protesters, who have pitched tents on the lawn of the Monroe County Courthouse have been given until 10 a.m. Friday to move their tents, and camping supplies.

Several protesters told the Bloomingtonian, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office told them they also need to vacate county property by 10:01 p.m. Tuesday, or will face arrest.

“I have received an executive order from the County Commissioners to enforce an existing ordinance. Failure to comply could result in a trespassing arrest. The hours permitted to be on the courthouse property are form 6 AM to 10 PM,” Sheriff Brad Swain said to the Bloomingtonian.

Protesters said they will gather to protest at 8 p.m., and stay at the courthouse property until the Sheriff’s Department arrives at 10:01 p.m.

The sidewalk surrounding the Monroe County Courthouse is the jurisdiction of the Bloomington Police Department, but the courthouse property beyond the sidewalk is the property of the county and under the jurisdiction of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Tents were being moved Tuesday afternoon, but activists said it was due to a pending thunderstorm, but they have no plans to leave. One protester said they are demanding the Bloomington Police Department be defunded.