Authorities were having difficulty this afternoon as they started clearing thousands of protesters from the Capitol building after two weeks of demonstrations against legislation that would remove collective bargaining for thousands of public employees.
While some people tried this afternoon to get out, others blocked exits on both of the doors. Police, just after 4 p.m., appeared confused about what to do and were trying to diffuse the situation.
Protesters received notice, through a loudspeaker announcement, that the Capitol building is closed, but none of the hundreds inside moved toward the doors. Instead, noise of shouts and cheers rose to deafening levels. Some marched, others stood their ground and chanted "the people, united will never be defeated."
Wisconsin Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs says officers have not arrested any of the protesters who remained in the building in defiance of a 4 p.m. Sunday deadline.
A Capitol police spokesperson has told the Green Bay Press-Gazette: "We have no plans to use force with anyone who refuses to leave." Protesters say police have told them they will begin removing anyone who refuses to leave at 5 p.m.
