Boston Police identified the eight people arrested at Boston City Hall for their “coordinated disruption” of a City Council meeting and said they were charged with trespassing.
Seven were arrested at City Hall. An eighth individual, a 28-year-old woman, was not arrested on scene, but was also charged with trespassing after police took out a criminal complaint at Boston Municipal Court.
The eight people arrested were Jonathan M. Barry, 40, of Roslindale; Nancy Ellen Griffin, 59; Margaret Hughes, 32; Linda A. Jenkins, 77, of Malden; George Lee, Jr., 43, of Dorchester; Vikiana Petit-Homme, 24; Rebecca A. Pierce, 82, of Dorchester; and Ashley Ryder, 28, of Brighton.
Addresses weren’t provided for some of the people, who were arrested after Wednesday’s City Council meeting was interrupted by activists protesting the $4.9 billion city budget for about two hours.
The protest proved to be the only dramatic part of the meeting. The budget was approved nearly unanimously by the Council, 12-1, with about $11.2 million in amendments.
Police detailed efforts to get the situation under control over the course of the lengthy protest, which began at approximately 2:50 p.m., soon after the budget came before the Council for discussion.
At that time, police said, “a group of 15 to 20 individuals who had been seated in the public gallery of the Iannella Chamber rose in unison, unfurled signs bearing political messages, crossed into the restricted area of the chamber, and began loudly chanting and waving signs, bringing the meeting to a halt.”
“City Council President Liz Breadon, who was presiding over the meeting, repeatedly called the chamber to order but was unable to restore decorum due to the level of noise,” police said.
Adult and youth activists chanted, “You failed us,” and “Tell us where the money goes.”
The clash capped a chaotic budget process fueled by community opposition over grant funding and youth job cuts, along with about 400 layoffs at Boston Public Schools.
Police said the decision was made to clear the Council chamber, “due to the rapidly evolving situation, including uncertainty about the chamber’s occupancy level and safe egress.” While bystanders complied, activists remained.
Staff from the city’s Property Management Department, which has the authority to issue trespass notices, advised activists who refused to leave voluntarily that they would be considered trespassing for “actively disrupting a public meeting,” police said.
Police said officers on scene chose to engage in de-escalation, rather than directly interact with the protestors.
Officers enlisted city councilors who volunteered to serve as intermediaries to negotiate with the activists, which led to about half the group leaving voluntarily and being escorted out of City Hall without further incident, police said.
“The remaining eight individuals refused to leave,” police said. “They lay on the floor and linked arms. City Council staff and city officials informed them on multiple occasions that they were required to vacate the premises or face arrest.”
Police said officers allotted another 30 minutes for negotiations, but were told that the remaining protesters “would not leave willingly.”
“Officers then made a formal verbal announcement, in the presence of a PMD representative, informing each individual that PMD had deemed them no longer welcome in City Hall,” police said.
“Officers spoke with each person individually, confirmed they understood the announcement, and offered each a final opportunity to leave,” police added. “Each individual indicated they understood but remained on the floor.”