'Occupy' groups from across the country are headed to the city for a 'national gathering' on Independence Mall, starting Saturday and running through July 4. Organizers say about 1,500 protesters are expected for marches and gatherings in support of the group's push for economic equality and other causes.
Philadelphia is bracing for extra people during a week that brings more than 1 million tourists to town for concerts, fireworks and other events. City officials say they're prepared for the Occupy gathering and events planned by other groups.
Deputy Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel says the department will bolster its presence in order to keep tabs on the protests, using uniformed and non-uniformed personal, mounted units, bicycle officers and other units.
