Also claims the Oakland police “terrified” her when they were forced to confront rampaging Occupiers.

(The Hill) — Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) on Friday said the Oakland police overreacted to Occupy Wall Street protesters earlier this week and condemned the police tactics.

Lee, who represents Oakland, said she was “terrified” on Tuesday when police used tear gas on a group of Occupy Wall Street protesters camped in front of Oakland’s City Hall. Police reportedly fired a series of rounds of teargas on a group of protesters who refused to leave.

“These are peaceful protesters who have a right to petition their government,” Lee said. “The reaction was not appropriate.”

Lee also defended the leaderless resistance movement, which started in New York City’s Financial District late last month and has spread from there.

“I from day one have fully supported the Occupy movement. I think it’s about time that people hit the streets and raise the concerns of the 99 percent,” Lee said.

“This is a movement of people. I don’t believe right now it needs leadership. I don’t believe it even needs an agenda,” she added. “This is a movement that is building.”