1,000 protest at Bank of America

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 9 (UPI) -- About 1,000 people protested Wednesday at Bank of America's Charlotte, N.C., headquarters against its foreclosure policies and support of the coal industry.

At least four people who said Bank of America Corp. had foreclosed on their homes were arrested after they tried to enter the bank's annual shareholders meeting, The Charlotte Observer reported.

The protesters arrived at the Bank of America building from three starting points about 9 a.m. and blocked traffic at an intersection.

Some protesters chanted, "Move, banks, get out of the way!"

Many borrowed from the Occupy protests, chanting, "We are the 99 percent."

The Observer said the atmosphere was casual, with protesters waving to spectators and police.

Bank of America said it finances coal projects because coal is the biggest source of energy in the United States.

The bank also said it has modified more than 1 million mortgages and has nearly 50,000 employees who work to help people avoid foreclosure.