Police cite five protesters at Biden office in Des Moines

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Des Moines police cited five people Monday night who refused to leave the Des Moines campaign office for Democrat Joe Biden after demanding to talk to him about health care and his campaign donors.

Police say the five were among about two dozen people who’d entered the building and remained for at least three hours despite requests that they leave. When officers showed up, all but five protesters left. They were arrested on suspicion of criminal trespassing and then released at the scene with summonses to appear in court later.

A news release from the Citizens for Community Improvement Action Fund said the five were members of the organization or Iowa Student Action. The two groups were demanding an audience with the former vice president to challenge what they said were his lies about the Medicare for All proposals being advanced by U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, two other candidates remaining in the Iowa caucuses campaign.

Community Improvement Action Fund has endorsed Sanders in the Democratic race to face President Donald Trump in November.

The two groups also criticized Biden’s ongoing support from wealthy donors and special interests.

A Biden spokeswoman said Tuesday that she couldn’t immediately comment.