Police arrest seven protesters who climbed D.C. crane

Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Washington, D.C. police said they arrested seven demonstrators who climbed a construction crane to protest President Donald Trump.

The protesters, who the environmental activist group Greenpeace USA reported were members of its organization, climbed the 270-foot-tall crane Wednesday morning. They unfurled a massive banner reading "Resist," and after 14 hours on the crane, descended late Wednesday evening, when they were arrested.

The protest near the White House closed streets and snarled traffic in Washington on Wednesday.

"Due to the extreme danger of the situation, the Metropolitan Police Department monitored the situation until the protesters descended from the crane at 10:04 p.m. At that time, seven individuals were detained and taken into custody. These individuals are charged with second degree burglary, unlawful entry and destruction of property," a police statement said.

Firefighters remained on the scene throughout the day in case a rescue was required, but police allowed the protest to proceed. Police Capt. Robert Glover said police were able to maintain contact with at least one person on the crane during the incident. He added police were also in regular contact with Greenpeace USA.