Ravenstahl Responds To G-20 Protestors: 'We Haven't Denied Anybody'

Channel 11 News learned Monday that there are at least a dozen groups applying for protest permits during the Group of 20 economic summit in Pittsburgh.

VIDEO: Ravenstahl Responds To G-20 Protestors: 'We Haven't Denied Anybody'

Pittsburgh's Thomas Merton Center said it can't get a permit to march downtown because a security perimeter for the event hasn't been determined.

"We are expecting several thousand people. There are a large number of groups mobilizing for it," said Peter Shell, co-chair of the Anti-War committee.

Merton officials said they're planning a nonviolent protest march whether or not they get a permit. The march is set for 2 p.m. Sept. 25, following a noon rally that is expected to draw thousands of protestors.

Some of the groups said they are concerned that the city is dragging its feel in approving permits for planned protest. Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl denied those accusations.

"Those that are suggesting that they have been denied are wrong. We haven't denied anybody and that is part of the planning process we are going through is to find good locations for people to protest," Ravenstahl said.

City officials said they can't approve special event permits until the U.S. Secret Service decides where it will set security perimeters for the summit Sept. 24-25 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. It's not clear when that perimeter may be determined and publicized.

One local senator complained his application for a permit to use Point State Park as a protest site was denied.

The city said that's because they got permission to use that park to house additional police officers.

Ravenstahl said they will not deny anyone their legal right.

“We know by law we have to provide two spots that are within visual and verbal distance from the Convention Center. So those are our main focuses now we are looking to provide," Ravenstahl said.