Woman punches Nebraska trooper amid protests over controversial abortion, transgender bill debate
At least six people were arrested at the Nebraska state capitol Friday after protests broke out over a bill passed that bans abortions after 12 weeks and restricts gender transition procedures for those under 19. (Nebraska State Patrol)
At least six people were arrested at the Nebraska state capitol building Friday after protests broke out as lawmakers passed a bill that bans abortions after 12 weeks and restricts gender transition procedures for those under 19.
Debate was stopped briefly around 2:40 p.m. while arrests took place in a chamber balcony where those opposing the controversial bill yelled and threw what appeared to be bloody tampons onto the legislative floor. The balconies were cleared for the remainder of the debate.
Lucia Salinas, 24, and Maghie Miller-Jenkins, 36, were arrested for allegedly obstructing a government operation and disturbing the peace, the Nebraska State Patrol said in a release sent to Fox News Digital.
Mar Lee, 25, was arrested for allegedly disturbing the peace and trespassing after he refused to leave the balcony for repeatedly yelling. Danna Seevers, 56, who was on the opposite balcony for people who supported the bill, was also arrested for allegedly disobeying a lawful order when she also refused to leave, the state patrol said.
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A protester allegedly punched a trooper during a protest at Nebraska's capitol during debate over a controversial bill. (Nebraska State Patrol )
About an hour later, as troopers were attempting to take a man who was allegedly trying to prevent a Sgt. at Arms from opening a door at the back of the legislative chamber into custody, a woman punched a trooper in the chest when he prevented her from pushing past him.
Benjamin Buras, 40, and Sara Crawford, 33, were both arrested in that incident.
Buras was arrested for resisting arrest and trespassing after officers said he didn't comply with orders to leave. Crawford was arrested for allegedly obstructing a peace officer.
All six were booked into the Lancaster County Jail.
Protesters at the Nebraska capitol demonstrating against the abortion and gender-affirming care bill that passed Friday. (AP Photo/Nick Ingram)
Republican Gov. Jim Pillen said he plans to sign the controversial bill that passed after Republicans got enough votes to end a filibuster.
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Protesters have been demonstrating at the capitol in Lincoln, Nebraska this week since lawmakers advanced the bill on Tuesday.
More videos on social media appeared to show police clashing with other protesters outside the chamber whose chants of "Shame, shame!" could be heard by voting lawmakers.
Omaha Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh speaks during debate on the abortion and gender-affirming care bill that was passed Friday. (AP Photo/Nick Ingram)
The 12-week abortion ban has exceptions for rape and incest and the bill wouldn’t allow transgender people under 19 years old to undergo gender surgery but with few exceptions.
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Nebraska currently bans abortion around 20 weeks and is one of multiple states that has recently passed abortion and transgender laws.
Last month, a proposed six-week ban failed to advance.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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