HARRISBURG — A loud protest in the state Capitol Rotunda on Monday against Pennsylvania spending on Israel-issued bonds — carried out in the same spot where Gov. Josh Shapiro will deliver his budget address Tuesday — led to 126 arrests.
A large throng of protesters bearing signs and wearing “Divest from Genocide” shirts occupied large portions of the grand staircase and other areas being prepared for Mr. Shapiro’s much-anticipated address. An elevated speaking platform, massive television screens and hundreds of chairs already were in place when the protest began.
Between 1 and 2 p.m. many people were restrained with their hands behind their backs by police officers and led away, even as chants against state investing decisions continued.
A Capitol police spokesperson, Troy Thompson, said the group was “engaged in an unauthorized demonstration without a permit.” Capitol police and Pennsylvania State police arrived and gave orders to the group to disperse, he said, with “the understanding that those who did not comply would be taken into custody.”
Mr. Thompson said 126 people were taken into custody, issued non-traffic citations for trespassing, and released.
A spokesperson for Mr. Shapiro declined comment.
Lilah Saber, identified by a participant as a spokesperson for the group, said “about 10 folks from Pittsburgh” were among those arrested. She said the protesters were associated with the Pennsylvania chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Jewish Voice for Peace, and the Philadelphia and Harrisburg Palestine coalitions.
Ms. Saber said they were protesting recent decisions by Pennsylvania to continue investing in Israel-issued bonds even while specific financial needs in Pennsylvania, like transit and education, have been identified. She said there had been no plan by the protesters to precipitate their own arrests.
They got support from state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Philadelphia, who said the arrests were not necessary. Concerning the Rotunda floor and staircase, Mr. Rabb said, “People have been walking through here all day.” He said the arrests showed “law enforcement needs to have a much wider array of tools.”
Ford Turner: fturner@post-gazette.com
First Published: February 5, 2024, 7:55 p.m.
Updated: February 6, 2024, 2:56 a.m.
