Protesters chained to Brooklyn Center Army recruiting station

By PAUL WALSH and RANDY FURST, Star Tribune Staff Writers

Last update: April 23, 2009 - 11:11 AM

Several people are protesting this morning outside an Army recruiting station in Brooklyn Center, including four who are chained to the doors.

The protest is one of a handful of demonstrations planned around the Twin Cities today in an effort to prevent potential recruits from signing up.

In St. Louis Park, three grandmothers were ticketed and released after they tried to enlist at the recruiting center inside the Knollwood Mall.

At the Brooklyn Center station, four of the 11 protesters are using bicycle locks and PVC pipe to attach themselves to the doors. Police officers and Fire Department personnel are on the scene.

No arrests have been made at the station, located in the 5600 block of Xerxes Avenue, said police Cmdr. Stu Robinson.

Robinson said officers told the protesters that they would not be arrested unless they begin to damage property or act in some other threatening manner.

The station is currently unstaffed, Robinson said.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

Randy Furst • 612-673-7382

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