Bank Protesters Arrested
After Trying to Cash $673-billion Check
VIDEO: Protesters Arrested After Trying to Cash $673-billion Check -
Lynette Romero reports
VIDEO: Occupy LA Protest Continues - Chip Yost reports
VIDEO:
"Occupy LA" Protest Calls For End To Corporate Greed - Jennifer Gould
reports
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (KTLA) -- Ten protesters were
arrested at a downtown Los Angeles Bank of America
branch on Thursday afternoon. A group marched inside the
bank and tried to cash a $673 billion check. The protest was organized by
the Refund California campaign. "Occupy L.A." protesters,
inspired by the "Occupy Wall Street" protesters in New York,
also joined in, authorities said.The protesters tried to cash an
over-sized check made out to the "People of California," LAPD
Lt. Paul Vernon said.
Ten protesters -- six men and four women -- were arrested after
refusing to leave the bank, police said. Earlier in the day Thursday,
Occupy L.A. protesters took over the intersection of 7th and
Figueroa streets, prompting police in riot gear to respond to the scene.
Protesters also covered Bank of America ATM's with caution tape. Thursday's
demonstrations were the latest in a series of protests in the
Southland. On Tuesday afternoon, several dozen protesters with signs and
a bullhorn picketed outside the Westwood home of a One West Bank
executive. About 50 demonstrators showed up outside the home and stayed
about 30 minutes as Los Angeles Police Department officers looked
on. Some "Occupy L.A." protesters have been camping outside City Hall in
downtown L.A. The loosely organized group is protesting what it perceives
as corporate greed. It hopes to encourage social change and political
involvement. Organizers say their target is pretty straight forward:
corporations that they believe have taken control of the ability of Americans to
get decent jobs and to keep other freedoms. Organizers also want to make
it clear that this occupation is a "non-violent" one.
