The Independence Hall Tea Party Association issued a statement criticizing the actions of the Occupy Wall Street protesters.

The statement released Wednesday read:
 

“The Independence Hall Tea Party Association, a group dedicated to free enterprise and respect for the U.S. Constitution, announced today that while it supports the free speech rights of all, including Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Philadelphia, it roundly deplores illegal behavior, including sit-ins that black the free movement of people and cargo.”
 

Teri Adams, Association President, argued that protesters who took over the Brooklyn Bridge interfered with the rights of others trying to travel freely. “The tea party rejects such behavior and challenges Occupy Philadelphia to consider the rights of others when it protests tomorrow.”
 

“The idea that Wall Street is the root of all evil is also an anathema to us. Like any other institution, Wall Street has its corrupt figures — and such individuals should be dealt with accordingly,” Adams said. “But to condemn Wall Street, en masse, is akin to condemning our entire free enterprise system.”