National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis denied that his political superiors have influenced his decision to allow Occupy DC protesters to camp in McPherson Square, arguing that he had used his "discretion" in order to avoid violence with the protesters.

"Absolutely not," Jarvis told Rep. Joe Walsh, R-Ill., when asked if the Occupy movement was an issue of "political sensitivity" for the National Park Service. Jarvis said that he is "not taking direction" from political superiors -- saying decisions were made by law enforcement officers -- although he acknowledged that he briefs Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

Jarvis told the House investigators that he did not prevent the Occupiers from camping in the first place because he worried that "could possibly incite a reaction on their part that could result in injury."