23 arrested in this morning’s ‘Add the 4 Words’ protest
Twenty-three people were been arrested in this morning's gay rights protest at the state Capitol, four for trespassing, 18 for unlawful assembly/refusal to disperse, and one for resisting or obstructing an officer. There was no physical confrontation, ISP said; the resisting charge involved a protester who refused to leave with officers once placed under arrest.
Idaho State Police spokeswoman Teresa Baker said all the charges are misdemeanors; the protesters, their hands secured with plastic zip ties, are being loaded onto a white Ada County Sheriff's bus in front of the state Capitol for the ride to the county jail, where they can arrange to post bond. Here, a group of protesters is led to the bus, including, at right, former Sen. Nicole LeFavour. Baker said the difference in charges this time - previous protesters were charged with trespassing - came because "they were blocking different doors - a non-public door." The protesters blockaded all entrances to the governor's office this morning, keeping employees, including the governor himself, out for more than an hour.