[Sassy Squatch]

Originally Posted by Gravedigger

Likely David cleared the people out of that area, knowing that was where he was going to keep Ellie. Also...

Spoiler!

He said only a few knew of what they were doing with the bodies and that was the place in the game that Ellie saw them chop an arm off and put it into a bucket, so that's likely where they chopped up the bodies. I would imagine that David would only let people into the hall to eat and pray but they kick everyone out so they could butcher during off hours.

Spoiler!

David claimed that only a few know, but judging by the reaction of the townsfolk during that initial dinner scene they're all pretty well aware of what's happening