“Day of Action” Protesters March Through Downtown D.C.

March snarls midday traffic

Police arrested dozens of protesters in downtown D.C. Wednesday during a "day of action" that caused road closures and traffic delays.

Demonstrators secured a permit to march down K Street starting at 11 a.m. Occupy DC marched along Connecticut Avenue chanting, and when they reached K Street, they spilled into the roadway, which police closed to traffic, News4's Chris Gordon reported.

Occupy DC demonstrators met OurDC and Take Back the Capitol at 16th and K, Gordon reported. They blocked the interstection between noon and 1 p.m.

At 1 p.m., heavy congestion was reported on K Street between 15th and 17th streets as about 1,000 demonstrators flooded the roadway there.

When most of the demonstrators marched on, 11 people from across the country, including two clergy, were arrested and charged with obstructing a highway after they refused a police order to clear the intersection at 16th and K streets, Gordon reported. You can see video from the scene here.

More were arrested at 14th and K streets, Gordon reported. About three dozen people lay down in the center of a busy intersection and were arrested after ignoring police warnings, the Associated Press reported.

By 5:30 p.m., 62 people had been arrested -- 61 for obstructing a public highway and one for assault on a police officer -- according to police.

More arrests are possible Wednedsay night, as protesters plan to take their demonstration throughout downtown D.C. Organizers said a party in McPherson Square would be similar to the types of parties held between elected officials and lobbyists. Demonstrators also planned to march on the White House and to the Supreme Court.

More than 200 protesters planned to "greet" Newt Gingrich at his fundraiser at Occidental Grill and Seafood, according to OurDC.

D.C. reopened 14th and K streets by about 5 p.m., but officials warned of some continued delays. They urged drivers to avoid the area and use alternate modes of transportation if possible.

Other delays are possible as protesters continue to march around the city.

Follow NBC Washington to get the latest news, events and entertainment anytime, anywhere: on air, online, and on Facebook // Twitter.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us