Using tear gas and riot gear, an estimated 200 police conducted early morning raids on Occupy Oakland protesters at Frank Ogawa Plaza on Tuesday. It took all of 30 minutes to clear out the encampment. Oakland Tribune reports, "After police surrounded the plaza about 4:45 a.m., they began moving in and taking down tents and barricades erected by the group, which had been camped there since Oct. 10 in support of the Occupy Wall Street effort."

Local businesses have been asked to remain closed for the early part of the morning. Oakland School for the Arts is also one one-hour delay, and should open after 9 a.m. today.

The 12th Street BART station was closed during the raid but had reopened by 6:30.

While initially lenient on the protesters, the city issued a letter this week saying that "the encampment on the plaza was 'a violation of the law' and threatening violators with immediate arrest."

Update 8:30: A new protest has sparked at Frank Ogawa Plaza. Protesters are throwing garbage and cursing at surrounding police officers. KRON 4 Morning News described the scene as "heated." Possible broadway closure expected.

8:45: Broadway is closed in Oakland. East Bay commuters are advised to steer clear from 12th, 14th, and 15th Streets.

9:00: OPD and Occupy Oakland protesters remain in a standoff. According to KRON 4 Morning News, some of the protesters turned violent toward media. The protest is peaceful for the most part. And with that, here is some live footage of this morning's showdown.


Live video by Ustream

11:20: At least 75 arrests have been made.