Protesters lying in road disrupt traffic in downtown Raleigh

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Pro-Palestinian protesters lying in the roadway blocked Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh on Thursday afternoon.

Raleigh Police said the disruption was happening in the 300 block of Fayetteville Street. It started on the steps of the old courthouse and eventually ended up in the street about 4:30 p.m.

Officers closed down the roadway and asked drivers and pedestrians to use alternate routes around the area.

Some protesters got up and walked away voluntarily but officers were seen making arrests of others who refused multiple requests to disperse. In all, 26 people were arrested on charges of unlawful assembly and impeding the flow of traffic.

They were taken to the Wake County Detention Center.

One person was charged with assault on a police officer. A police spokesperson told ABC11 that the officer who was assaulted was OK and did not need to go to a hospital.

RPD told ABC11 that it responded to the scene for "the safety of the public "

"The Raleigh Police Department values the right to peacefully demonstrate. However, disruptive, unlawful, or other actions that threaten the safety of the community will not be tolerated nor condoned," said Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson. "I am proud of our officers who demonstrated patience and professionalism during this incident. I thank our local and state public safety partners for their assistance."

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