Protesters in Washington to ‘Take Back the Capitol’

Posted December 6th, 2011 at 6:45 pm (UTC-5)
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Police say at least one person has been arrested during protests in Washington that organizers say aim to remind Congress to represent all Americans.

A U.S. Capitol Police spokeswoman told VOA the protester was detained Tuesday afternoon for unlawful entry at the office of a Republican lawmaker, . The spokeswoman said the protester refused to leave when asked.

Protesters marched to the offices of a number of lawmakers saying they wanted to, as they put it, “Take Back the People's House.”

Thousands have gathered at Washington's National Mall for several days of marches and rallies, nicknamed “Take Back the Capitol.” The protesters include some linked to the Occupy movement, which says it represents the “99 percent” – those outside the top 1 percent of wealth holders.

Another key group behind the protest is the local organization, OurDC. The organization says it works on behalf of the unemployed and underemployed and is dedicated to bringing good jobs to the District.

The event comes after police arrested 31 anti-Wall Street protesters Sunday at an Occupy DC camp.

Authorities have closed Occupy camps in cities across the country in recent weeks. In the northwestern city of Portland, Oregon, police shut down a downtown-area park Saturday night, arresting anti-Wall Street protesters who refused to leave.

The Occupy Wall Street movement began nearly three months ago in New York City.

A representative tells VOA the group is also holding an Occupy Our Homes day of action Tuesday in more than 20 U.S. cities “to protect families under the threat of foreclosure and eviction.”