While demonstrators in New York march their way through the symbolic epicenter of Manhattan privilege, the Upper East Side, their counterparts in the nation's capital are taking their cause to the seat of government. According to Talking Points Memo, a group of about 100 anti-war protesters -- organized by activist groups Stop the Machine and October 2011 -- attempted to take over the atrium of the Senate Hart Office Building shortly before noon.
Per Politico:
More than 100 protesters shouted “We are the 99 percent” and “Tax the rich, end the war” starting around 11:30 a.m. inside the Hart Senate Office Building. They waved banners that read “End the War” and “Cure Electile Dysfunction.” Senate staffers were warned by Capitol Police to avoid the building’s atrium
Police eventually cleared the atrium, arresting some protesters -- including at least two who went limp as they were cuffed, forcing officers to drag them from the premises. TPM's Ryan J. Reilly would later tweet that protesters were still outside of the Hart building, chanting "Cut war, fund jobs."
According to the Huffington Post, security is tightening on Capitol Hill as protesters regroup for more planned protests later today in support of the Senate jobs bill.
Shares