TUCSON – Two protesters were arrested at Sen. Jeff Flake’s Tucson office Thursday morning.
According to a media release distributed Wednesday by the Tucson Chapter of Progressive Democrats of America, dozens of people planned a sit-in at the Senator’s office to demand that he vote “No” on the Better Care Reconciliation Act.
The release stated, “Protesters to Risk Arrest in Sen. Jeff Flake’s Office to Save Health Care for Millions of Americans.”
According to Jason Samuels, Sen. Flake’s Communications Director, one protester was arrested for making the following statement:
Protester: You know how liberals are going to solve the Republican problem?
Staffer: No.
Protester: They are going to get better aim. That last guy tried, but he needed better aim. We will get better aim.
That man has been identified as Mark Prichard, 59. He was arrested for Criminal Trespass in the 3rd Degree and Threats and Intimidation, according to Pima County Sheriff’s Dept. spokesman Dep. Cody Gress.
“The office is a rented space on privately owned property, and the property management company as well as the staff at Sen. Flake’s office indicated they wanted the protester who made the comments to be trespassed, Gress said.”
Another protester, identified as Patrick Diehl, 70, was arrested after allegedly forcing his way into Flake’s office when a staffer opened the door to pass out informational packets, Gress said. The office was not allowing protesters inside.
Diehl was immediately arrested for Criminal Trespass in the 3rd Degree as well, Gress said.
Both Prichard and Diehl were transported to the Pima County Adult Detention Complex for their charges, Gress added. The remaining protesters were allowed to be on the property 5 at a time from that point forward, and the remaining protest time was peaceful.
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