A May Day demonstration featuring Senator Bernie Sanders led to the arrest of 70 people for obstructing a highway in Center City Philadelphia on Thursday.
Hundreds gathered for the International Workers' Day event, which included a rally outside City Hall where Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., spoke to the crowd.
Organizers framed the demonstration as a response to policies targeting labor protections and diversity initiatives. Participants also voiced concerns about the current economic climate.
Following the rally, attendees marched through Center City. A group eventually moved to the intersection of Broad and Vine streets, blocking traffic.
Philadelphia police responded to the scene. Officers reported issuing multiple warnings for demonstrators to clear the roadway.
Police arrested 70 individuals, 36 men and 34 women, for obstruction.
A police statement indicated the demonstration was intended to be peaceful but resulted in significant traffic disruption and safety concerns for motorists and participants.
Shafeek Anderson, a hotel worker and member of Unite Here Local 274, attended the event. He stated that participants aimed to send a message.
"We’re tired of everything that’s going on in everyday life. We’re tired of our prices going up. We’re tired of the unfair treatment," Anderson said. "We’re tired of the inequality in life and everything else."
