(Scypre.com) – Protests erupted at the Nebraska state capitol building on Friday, resulting in the arrest of six individuals, following the passage of a bill that imposes a ban on abortions after 12 weeks and imposes restrictions on gender transition procedures for individuals under 19 years old.
The disruptions occurred during the legislative debate at around 2:40 p.m., when protestors in the opponent balcony shouted and threw objects, resembling bloody tampons, onto the legislative floor. To restore order, the debate was briefly halted, and the balconies were subsequently cleared.
According to the Nebraska State Patrol, Lucia Salinas (24) and Maghie Miller-Jenkins (36) were arrested for charges of obstructing a government operation and disturbing the peace.
Mar Lee (25) was apprehended for repeatedly yelling and refusing to vacate the balcony, resulting in charges of disturbing the peace and trespassing. Danna Seevers (56), who was situated on the balcony supporting the bill, was also arrested for disobeying a lawful order when she refused to leave.
In a separate incident, law enforcement officers were attempting to apprehend an individual who allegedly obstructed a Sergeant at Arms from opening a door at the back of the legislative chamber.
During this encounter, a woman struck a trooper in the chest after he prevented her from passing him. Benjamin Buras (40) was subsequently arrested for resisting arrest and trespassing, while Sara Crawford (33) was arrested for obstructing a peace officer.
All six individuals involved in the incidents were taken into custody and booked into the Lancaster County Jail. The bill includes exceptions for cases of rape and incest, and it restricts gender surgery for individuals under 19 years old, with a few limited exceptions.
The Nebraska State Patrol carried out these arrests in response to the disturbances that occurred during the legislative debate at the Nebraska State Capitol Building on Friday afternoon.