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Approximately 60 people were arrested on Friday outside the U.S. Capitol after crossing a police barrier composed of bike racks and moving towards the steps leading up to the Capitol Rotunda, as stated by Capitol Police.
The demonstrators, consisting of veterans and military family members, organized a sit-in on the Capitol steps. Their protest was against President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard and active-duty Marines in Los Angeles to address anti-ICE protests, as well as a military parade scheduled for Saturday.
Saturday’s parade coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday. Earlier this week, Trump assured that protestors at the parade will face “very heavy force,” although White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that Trump supports peaceful demonstrations.
A group of about 75
All the arrested protesters will be charged with unlawful demonstration and crossing a police line. (Reuters)
All the arrested protesters will be charged with unlawful demonstration and crossing a police line, while some will face additional charges, including assault on a police officer and resisting arrest.
Two arrestees were transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
The protest was organized by two advocacy groups, About Face: Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace.
“We want a future where we invest in care for veterans, in health care, and in education, not where we spend $50 million on a parade,” Brittany Ramos DeBarros, an Army combat veteran and Organizing Director of About Face: Veterans Against the War, said in a statement to WJLA.
Two arrestees were transported to a local hospital for treatment. (Reuters)
The Army will celebrate its 250th birthday on Saturday despite expected rain, with as many as 200,000 people expected to attend various events around the Capitol in addition to the military parade, which is estimated to cost around $45 million and will feature soldiers and military equipment, including tanks and airplanes.
