Occupy Des Moines Occupies the Democrats

Occupy Des Moines Outside the Iowa Democratic Party Office 12-19-11

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On December 17-18, 2011, Occupy Des Moines forced the closure of President Obama's re-election headquarters. On December 19, 2011, eight members of Occupy Des Moines were arrested following a sit-in at the offices of the Iowa Democratic Party. Protesters were calling for President Obama to veto a massive war bill which codifies the indefinite detention of U.S. citizens.

On December 17-18, 2011, Occupy Des Moines forced the closure of President Obama's re-election headquarters. On December 19, 2011, eight members of Occupy Des Moines were arrested following a sit-in at the offices of the Iowa Democratic Party. Protesters were calling for President Obama to veto a massive war bill which codifies the indefinite detention of U.S. citizens. Occupiers also voiced opposition to the proposed tar sands oil pipeline, Obama's retreat on a millionaire's tax, and cuts in Pell Grant funding for students.

The action was covered by the Des Moines Register among other local and regional media. Further nonviolent protests are in the works for the campaign offices of Republican presidential candidates in the week heading up to the Iowa caucuses on January 3, 2012.

Kathleen McQuillen, AFSC Iowa Program Coordinator, has co-facilitated several nonviolence trainings for Occupy Des Moines activists.