Above: A protester is arrested by law enforcement officers at the Iowa Air National Guard base, Monday, March 17, 2014, in Des Moines, Iowa. Seven protesters, who were rallying against the use of drones to carry out military strikes, were arrested at the base. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Seven activists were arrested Monday outside the Iowa Air National Guard base in Des Moines protesting the U.S. military’s use of drones.
The attendance of about 30 was smaller than a Saturday rally at the base that attracted 100 people. But it was the only event that included arrests in an annual week of anti-war rallies and meetings organized by the Catholic Workers and Veterans for Peace.
The Iowa Air National Guard’s 132nd Fighter Wing is in the process of transitioning from maintaining and flying a fleet of F-16s to missions involving remotely piloted aircraft.
“Iowa is known for being the Field of Dreams. This is making Iowa into killing fields,” said Catholic Worker Frank Cordaro, who helped organize the event. “This is making my neighborhood a legitimate war target.”
The seven people who were arrested at one point approached the gate of the air base and read a statement. After they refused instructions to move, they were arrested, charged with trespassing, and then released.
Additional articles:
Globe-Gazette, Seven Arrested in Drone Protest
Radio Iowa, Seven arrested in protest outside Iowa Air National Guard base
