BATH — A group of approximately 75 pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Bath Iron Works early Saturday morning, coinciding with the christening of the USS Patrick Gallagher.
Several individuals were arrested, including a man who dumped a red liquid at the facility’s entrance.
The protest commenced around 8:30 a.m. as Bath Iron Works celebrated the new Arleigh Burke class Guided Missile Destroyer.
Members from Maine Voices for Palestinian Rights and Maine Veterans for Peace, familiar figures at past BIW events, participated in the demonstration.
At 8:00 a.m., Mark Roman, 76, of Solon, was observed spreading a red-colored liquid on the sidewalk and steps of BIW’s main building and subsequently drove off.
Roman was later found and received a summons for criminal mischief and a citation for littering.
Shortly after 9:45 a.m., nine protesters detached from the main group, entering BIW property at King St and Washington St. They sat in the roadway, interlocked arms, and ignored officers’ requests to vacate.
The individuals were arrested without resistance and charged with misdemeanors.
The following were taken into custody:
1.
Robert Shetterly, 77, of Brooksville, charged with Criminal Trespass.
2.
Bradley Conway, 32, of Manchester, NH, charged with Obstructing a Public Way.
3.
Russell Wray, 69, of Hancock, charged with Criminal Trespass.
4.
Abigail Fuller, 64, of Portland, charged with Obstructing a Public Way.
5.
Lisa Savage, 67, of Solon, charged with Criminal Trespass.
6.
Dudley Hendrick, 82, of Deer Isle, charged with Criminal Trespass.
7.
Jamila Levasseur, 69, of Waldo, charged with Criminal Trespass.
8.
Constance Jenkins, 76, of Belfast, charged with Criminal Trespass.
9.
Mary Sullivan, 70, of Brunswick, charged with Criminal Trespass.
They have been scheduled to appear in court on September 3 at West Bath Unified Criminal Court.
All arrested individuals were booked at Bath Police Department and released on personal recognizance.
The Bath Police Department was aided by the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office, Maine and New Hampshire State Police, and the US Coast Guard.
Chief Andrew Booth expressed gratitude towards the agencies for their assistance, noting the importance of resolving unlawful acts of civil disobedience safely and commending the professionalism of all officers involved.
