11 arrested for blocking street at SC State House, with a banner that said, "Enough."

http://www.wistv.com/story/24881449/11-arrested-for-blocking-street-at-sc-statehouse

Posted: Mar 04, 2014 11:39 AM EST

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS/AP) -

Eleven people have been arrested after they blocked the entrance to the State House garage with a red banner that said, "Enough."

The protesters are part of a group called Truthful Tuesday, demonstrating against South Carolina's decision not to accept federal money to expand Medicaid, as well as other social justice issues.

Columbia Interim Police Chief Ruben Santiago joined several of his officers in asking the protesters to get out of the lanes entering the garage. When they refused, Santiago handcuffed each one. He says the protesters will be charged with blocking the road, a misdemeanor and a $100 fine.

Those arrested will have to be in court March 28.

These are the first arrests since the protests began in January.

Members of the group that were not arrested were going inside the State House to chant "Shame" outside the Senate chambers.

These are the first arrests since the protests began in January. Members of the SC Progressive Network tell WIS the protestors were ticketed for impeding traffic and are due in court on March 28.

WIS has learned there is a counter-protest going on in front of the nearby IT-oLogy building on Gervais Street.