Anti-war protesters arrested in Coleman's office and on University Avenue

Twelve people were arrested Tuesday afternoon as they sat down on University Avenue outside Senator Norm Coleman’s office, blocking traffic in protest of the U.S. war in Iraq. Twelve more were arrested inside Coleman’s office shortly after 7 p.m., when they refused orders to leave.

A score of protesters had occupied Coleman’s office after closing time, as others sang and chanted outside the office, “Money for peace, not for war—hands off Iraq!”

Inside the office, Sister Betty McKenzie said, “I’m here because this is how we should be stopping the war—first by educating our representative and senators, but if they won’t listen, we have to do civil disobedience.”

“Money for students, not for war—hands off Iraq,” protesters chanted, outside the office.

“We got a letter from Senator Coleman saying he believes the war is successful and he wants to continue to war,” said Marie Braun, inside the office. “We believe this is against the will of the people of Minnesota. We want the war to end. We want the troops home now. We want them taken care of when they get home.”

Braun said anti-war activists had occupied Coleman’s office for eight Tuesdays, but that he didn’t listen. In the ninth week, she said, they chose to do more.