U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wis., and a number of protesters calling for an increase in the federal minimum wage were arrested Thursday after they refused to vacate the road they were blocking, according to a statement from the West Milwaukee Police Department.
The statement noted there were a total of 26 arrests, including Moore, for disorderly conduct as the group of 75 to 100 people blocked the northbound lane of Miller Park Way.
The protest was associated with Fight for $15, a national movement to raise the minimum wage for fast food employees to $15 per hour.
Eric Harris, Moore’s communications director, took over her Twitter account and confirmed Moore’s arrest.
"I've read their letters, I've heard their calls, and I've listened to their stories. I understand their struggle, but more importantly, I see their drive to fight for a future that is equal to their talents and worthy of their dreams,” Moore said in a statement after the arrest, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Moore was fined $691 for the offense and after she was released said, “I thought it was important to elevate this issue and raise consciousness,” according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
