Massachusetts representatives Pressley, Clark arrested at abortion rights rally

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Massachusetts representatives Ayanna Pressley and Katherine Clark were among more than 30 people who were arrested Tuesday at a rally in support of abortion rights that was held outside of the United States Supreme Court.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Pressley’s office said that she was taken into custody while participating in a “non-violent civil disobedience” in support of abortion of rights.

“Today, Congresswoman Pressley joined her colleagues and grassroots advocates for a non-violent civil disobedience to protest the Supreme Court’s cruel and callous decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and strip away abortion rights for everyone who calls America home,” said Pressley spokesperson Ricardo A. Sánchez. “She, along with several of her colleagues, was arrested as part of the peaceful demonstration and is currently in custody of the U.S. Capitol Police. We will share more information as soon as it becomes available.”

Video shared on Twitter showed Pressley being escorted away by a police officer. She could seen carrying a sign that read, “My body, my choice.”

In a tweet, Clark also confirmed that she was arrested.

“The extremist Republicans are determined to take us back in time and take away our rights,” Clark wrote. “They can arrest me, but we won’t allow them to arrest freedom.”

Thirty-four people, including 16 members of Congress, were arrested on charges including crowding, obstructing, or incommoding, according to U.S. Capitol Police.

Police noted that they warned protesters who were blocking traffic before taking them into custody.

There were no additional details immediately available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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