US Bank Stadium protests result in three arrests
January 9, 2017
Sunday’s football game in Minneapolis between the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears featured some extra entertainment in the form of an environmental protest.
Two protesters of the Dakota Access Pipeline scaled the stadium’s rafters and hung a banner displaying the US Bank logo, the word divest, and the hashtag #NoDAPL. According to the Chicago Tribune, the protesters appeared with the banner sometime in the second quarter and remained suspended until after the game had ended. Eight rows of spectators below the demonstration were forced to leave; however, play was never stopped, according to Chicago’s WGNtv.
The protesters, later identified as 32 year old Karl Mayo and 26 year old Sen Holiday, were arrested for trespassing. Carolyn Feldman, 26, was also arrested on charges of obstructing the legal process, according to CNN. All three were released the next day.
The protest was aimed at bringing awareness to the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the fact that the US Bank is a major funder of the project. US Bank is also the name and sponsor of the Viking’s home stadium.
The protesters reportedly entered the stadium legally, purchasing tickets and coming through the gate with their banner and climbing gear under their clothes, according to ESPN.