Demonstrators Arrested In Harrisburg Ahead Of Electoral College Vote
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS/AP) -- Demonstrators were arrested Monday as they gathered on the steps of the state capitol in Harrisburg in protest of the Electoral College vote as President-elect Donald Trump scooped up Pennsylvania's 20 electoral votes.
The event is part of a nationwide "coordinated protest" to urge state electors not to vote for Trump.
More than 200 demonstrators were waving signs and chanting in 25-degree weather Monday morning as delegates began arriving at the state Capitol to cast the state's electoral votes for president.
Demonstrators chanted "No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA" and "no treason, no Trump."
CBS 3's Greg Argos reports that the demonstrators who were detained were Berks County Correctional Facility protesters.
However, that didn't stop members of Pennsylvania's 58th Electoral College to cast the state's 20 electoral votes for Trump. Trump beat Democrat Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania by fewer than 45,000 votes out of more than 6 million cast, or by less than 1 percent.
The result led to clapping from supporters and boos from the gallery, with yells of "Shame on You."
Pennsylvania's 20 electoral votes are fifth-most in the nation, and gave Trump a critical boost to winning the White House when he became the first Republican since 1988 to win the state.
Monday's outcome was in little doubt, since the electors were senior members of the Republican Party hierarchy in Pennsylvania, GOP activists or ardent Trump loyalists picked by his campaign.
(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
