Philadelphia Police arrest 26 during Occupy ‘National Gathering’

Philadelphia organizer, Justin Thomas spent the night outside Philadelphia police headquarters. Waiting for the release of 26 Occupiers taken into custody after a Sunday night protest. Thomas said he was disappointed.

“People who want to peacefully and legally protest against serious problems in our society,” were arrested at 13th and Race streets Thomas said.

Josh Heltke from New Haven, Connecticut was released early Monday morning after spending the night in custody. “They gave me a charge of disoderly conduct, I believe that says hazard, and obstructing a highway,” said Heltke.

Occupy organizers say the goal of the summit is to develop practical strategies to push for change on issues such as health care. They expect 3,000 people to arrive in Philadelphia by July 4.

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Heltke says protesters were trying to leave at the time of the arrests. Police say they arrested 20 men and 6 women, but declined to explain why.

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