Occupy Oakland Attacks Wells Fargo Then Deposits $20,000
In a true sign that the “Occupy” movements are not as connected as they should be Occupy Oakland protesters this week deposited $20,000 at a Wells Fargo location, the very type of big bank institution they have been rallying against.
The large deposit comes just one week after several Oakland protesters smashed several windows at a Wells Fargo location and directly after protesters at Occupy San Francisco held a protest outside of a Wells Fargo location.
The $20,000 deposit was agreed upon by the group’s general assembly with a vote of 162-8 with 16 people abstaining.
After the decision was made angry protesters took to Twitter to show their disgust for the deposit:
“I can see the ad now: ‘People’s money is so safe here at Wells Fargo, even our sworn enemies use us for their banking needs!'” wrote @davidcolburn.
another protester (@GiveMeThatJuice) added:
“I am so disgusted right now. the hypocrisy of it all is just amazing.”
The moment the deposit happened Wells Fargo spokesman Ruben Pulido released the following statement to the press:
“If this report is true,” he wrote, “it demonstrates that even Occupy Oakland understands — firsthand — the value and service that Wells Fargo provides its customers. Wells Fargo welcomes the 100 percent of Americans to allow us to help them meet their financial needs.”
The groups lawyer Tim Fong quickly pointed out that the money was only placed into a temporary account while he finalizes paperwork that is needed to open a credit union account for an unincorporated association.
Once the money is transferred to the credit union part of it will be used to bail out jailed protesters.
In one sign that at least some organization exists between the occupy movements Occupy Wall Street donated the money so that it may be used for medical and legal needs.