INDIANAPOLIS — The State has filed charges against 14 protesters who were arrested for blocking streets near the governor's residence while calling for ceasefire in Gaza.
On April 25, protesters blocked Meridian Street near the governor's mansion holding signs and chanting after a rally began near Tarkington Park.
The rally was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace–Indiana, Middle Eastern Student Association of IUPUI, Students for Justice in Palestine–Butler, Palestinian Youth Movement and ANSWER Indiana.
According to court documents, protesters set up folding tables and held banners while standing in the street in front of the Governor's residence, blocking most of the southbound lanes of traffic on Meridian St.
During the protest, IMPD and Indiana State Police at the scene blocked Meridian Street between 46th and 49th streets in order to protect protesters. At this time, officers also worked to clear the street, court documents revealed.
After verbal commands failed to work, 14 protesters were arrested.
"It is important to note that Meridian St. is one of the main north/south streets in the city and the blocking of traffic caused massive backups during rush hour traffic. The protesters in the street put other civilians in danger who were attempting to complete their morning commute into work.
There were also as many as 30 officers in the street attempting to clear the protesters whose safety was also put into jeopardy due to the protesters," IMPD Sgt. Evan Meyers, who was on the scene, said in the charging documents.
The following people are charged with the intent to obstruct vehicular traffic, a class B misdemeanor.
- Payton emberton
- Jessica phillips
- Mohammad rashid
- Susan birndorf
- Taylor parker
- Ahmad saadeh
- Brittany rood
- Ahmed elmahdi
- Brandon schaaf
- Karisa cole
- Jihad saadeh
- Omar daas
- Austin myers
- Malkah Bird
Initial hearing were held on Friday.
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