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In Brief

Tuesday, February 12, 2002; Page B03

THE DISTRICT

Homeless Activists Go Out on a Ledge

Two activists camped out on a fifth-floor ledge inside the John A. Wilson Building yesterday to protest what they described as insufficient city services for the homeless.

While workers stared and snapped photos, the two unfurled a banner calling attention to the deaths of homeless people last week. The two crawled to safety through an open window about two hours after they sat down on the ledge about 10:30 a.m. Police told them they would not be arrested if they came down voluntarily.

The protest coincided with a rally organized by advocates who are calling for increased shelter space and services for the homeless.

Tony Bullock, spokesman for Mayor Anthony A. Williams (D), said the capacity of local shelters was not an issue in the recent deaths. "People do not need to put themselves in danger and risk the lives of others to discuss this issue with the District government," Bullock said.