NEW YORK-As hundreds of protesters marched on Wall street to the now barricaded New York Stock Exchange, the police were on-hand to meet them full on. Police say as many as 177 were arrested by helmeted police bearing batons. The protester's intent was to delay the opening of the exchange and hamper its operation. The stock exchange opened on time and is operating normally according to reports.

According to the protesters, today is being called the “Day of Action,’ it is being observed as the two month anniversary of the Occupy Wall Street movement. Today, their intentions were to gather at Liberty Square at 7 am and then march to the NYSE. At noon, they were to take to 16 subway central hubs to make their voices heard. This is to be followed up by a gathering at Foley Square, which is just across from City Hall.

As protesters returned to Zuccotti Park, they tore out the barricades that were in place. This prompted the police to begin further hitting and shoving at the protesters as arrests were made.

New York’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg called a news conference at the Bellevue Hospital Center, where a police officer was getting his cut hand administered to. It was there that the mayor announced that 5 of the protesters were being charged with felony assault in incidences where 7 officers were injured. Bloomberg said, “Unfortunately, some protesters today have deliberately pursued violence.” Approximately 10 protesters were injured as well.

The police Commissioner and the Mayor said that the officer had had to receive 20 stitches on his left hand. A glass object had been thrown at him at Zuccotti Park during the period when the barricades were being dismantled. They said other officers had liquid thrown in their faces. They have tentatively determined that the liquid was vinegar.

The mayor said the turn-out this morning was much less than the thousands that the Occupiers said would come. He further said that, “The real story for tomorrow morning’s paper was there were just not that many people out here.”