Activists at Venezuela Embassy served with eviction notice

WASHINGTON (AP) — Authorities served an eviction notice Monday to activists who have stayed for more than a month inside the Venezuelan embassy in Washington, and asked them to leave immediately.

Gustavo Tarre, Venezuela’s representative to the Organization of American States told The Associated Press that after the eviction notice was served, three activists left the building. Four of them remained, Tarre said.

Brian Becker, national director of the Answer Coalition, which supports the activists, said those still inside the building will not leave voluntarily.

Four activists remained in the Venezuelan Embassy on Tuesday evening, resisting an order by federal law enforcement to leave or face arrest. (WTOP/Alejandro Alvarez)

The D.C. fire department arrived with bolt cutters to remove chains and a bike lock which activists had sealed the Venezuelan Embassy's front entrance with. (WTOP/Alejandro Alvarez) — The D.C. fire department arrived with bolt cutters to remove chains and a bike lock which activists had sealed the Venezuelan Embassy’s front entrance with. (WTOP/Alejandro Alvarez)

A Venezuelan looks on as a member of Juan Guaido's diplomatic staff speaks with supporters outside the Venezuelan Embassy in Georgetown. (WTOP/Alejandro Alvarez) — A Venezuelan looks on as a member of Juan Guaido’s diplomatic staff speaks with supporters outside the Venezuelan Embassy in Georgetown. (WTOP/Alejandro Alvarez)

A member of Guaido's diplomatic team signs a hat after addressing a group of several dozen Venezuelans, thrilled at the imminent eviction of activists who have occupied the building for over a month. (WTOP/Alejandro Alvarez) — A member of Guaido’s diplomatic team signs a hat after addressing a group of several dozen Venezuelans, thrilled at the imminent eviction of activists who have occupied the building for over a month. (WTOP/Alejandro Alvarez)

Activists who are risking arrest by remaining inside the embassy raise their fists outside of a second floor room. (WTOP/Alejandro Alvarez)

The Venezuelan opposition celebrates the imminent arrest of activists inside the embassy. Supporters of the embassy activists, meanwhile, chanted "Hands off Venezuela" from the opposite side of the street. (WTOP/Alejandro Alvarez) — The Venezuelan opposition celebrates the imminent arrest of activists inside the embassy. Supporters of the embassy activists, meanwhile, chanted “Hands off Venezuela” from the opposite side of the street. (WTOP/Alejandro Alvarez)

Two Venezuelans embrace in celebration as a months-long occupation of the embassy by pro-Maduro activists seemed to be coming to an end. Arrests had not occurred as of Wednesday morning, though notice had been served that the four activists who remained within were in violation of D.C. and federal law. (WTOP/Alejandro Alvarez)

A federal agent examines the front doors to the Venezuelan Embassy after DC Fire & EMS removed the chains and bike lock activists had been using to block it. (WTOP/Alejandro Alvarez)

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Becker said police cut the chains that were locking the front gate and handed the order to activists who came to the ground level to meet them.

The activists are inside the embassy because they consider Nicolas Maduro the legitimate president of Venezuela. The U.S. and 50 other countries say Maduro’s re-election was fraudulent and have recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s interim president.

It was not clear Monday night which agency issued the eviction notice, though Secret Service agents and District of Columbia police surrounded the embassy.

Carlos Vecchio, whom the U.S. recognizes as Venezuela’s ambassador, tweeted that “next steps” will be announced soon.