Officials at the state Capitol say they had to call University of Wisconsin Police to cut the heavy-duty bicycle locks from two individuals who had attached themselves to the railing — by their necks — in the Senate gallery, according to Lori Getter with Wisconsin Emergency Management.
“UW Police were called because they have special equipment. We do have lock-cutting devices here but because of the special locks and being around their neck, we had a team from UW Police that came out here with special equipment. The locks were removed and the two individuals were taken into custody.”
They were charged with disorderly conduct, obstruction/resisting an officer, and unlawful assembly. Six others were arrested for disorderly conduct as they fight against Governor Scott Walker’s budget.
Getter says as a result of this incident, more items are banned from the building. “Bike locks, hand cuffs, any type of locking devices are not allowed in the building at this time. In addition, a new rule for the senate gallery … back packs are not allowed in.”
Demonstrators shout during silent prayer. Republicans and Democrats forge ahead with the Pledge of Allegiance, progressively getting louder to cover the sound of the increasingly loud protesters.
Getter says the six people arrested are the same people who’ve been arrested and cited several times in recent weeks, including a guy on a segway.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson reports 1:28
UPDATE: At 9:00 pm the Capitol Police updated their arrest tally, saying eight more arrests have been made in the Senate Gallery. They were all cited with disorderly conduct. That makes a total of 16 arrests for the day.
