ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones responded to critics regarding the removal of the homeless encampment outside City Hall for the first time Wednesday, defending her actions.
Jones spoke to the media Wednesday about the removal of the camp, and discussed various topics regarding it, including the failed initial order to remove the encampment on Monday.
Jones said she and her office had notified the homeless that the city was going to begin enforcing a curfew Monday night.
"What happened Monday was that we told the Alderman, we told everyone else that we were going to enforce a curfew that night," said Jones.
Jones said the initial order to remove the encampment Monday night failed due to homeless activists "deciding to come down and wanting to get in the way of providing services."
Jones took alot of heat, especially from the activists, regarding her actions in the removal of the encampment.
Jones responded to critics saying that nobody has done more for the homeless than her administration.
"I've have also invested in $20 million in ARPA Funds to expand tiny homes for 5,200 people, and also providing wrap around services, providing 24/7 shelters, safe-haven shelters, low-barrier shelters" said Mayor Jones.
Jones also called out activists for obstructing and taunting service workers while not helping the homeless themselves.
"Where were they over the last two months while these people were sitting outside City Hall's front lawn?" asked Jones, "Where were they?"
Jones also denied that the removal of the encampment had anything to do with the upcoming Democratic National Committee Meeting this week, where among expected attendees include Vice-President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff.
"There was no coincidence of the timing," said Mayor Jones, "We just decided it was time to stop."
The homeless camp was successfully cleared Tuesday evening, with fences currently cordoning off the park around city hall.