About two dozen people left the State Capitol for the mall's food court around 1 p.m. Friday, for a planned "flash mob."
At around 2:45 p.m., six people were arrested by Crabtree Valley Special Police and, with the help of Raleigh Police officers, taken to the Wake County Jail, where they were charged with disorderly conduct and second degree trespassing.
Four of the demonstrators were released on written promises to appear, while two were held on secured bonds, because of similar pending charges.
Authorities said prior to the arrests, Crabtree Valley Mall officials had told the protesters that they would not be permitted to demonstrate on the mall's property.
"It is the responsibility of Crabtree Valley Mall to provide a safe shopping environment for our customers at all times," said Sandra Geist with Crabtree Valley Mall in a statement. "Families choose CVM to conduct their holiday shopping and it is our goal to provide them with a safe and enjoyable shopping atmosphere during the holiday season. "
The Raleigh Police Department said it had offered to facilitate a protest by the group on the public sidewalks adjacent to the mall.
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