(Les Krifaton/FOX5)LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
A peaceful protest in downtown Las Vegas ended with 21 arrests Thursday as members of the "Occupy" movement marched in cities from coast-to-coast.
Demonstrators were arrested after blocking traffic during a sit-in on Las Vegas Boulevard outside the Lloyd D. George Federal Building.
Thursday's incident marked the first arrests in southern Nevada since the "Occupy" movement began two months ago.
Both Metro and the Occupy movement showed mutual respect during the protest. Even though the demonstration was noisy there were no confrontations. "We talk to police all the time down here" said Occupy's Sebring Frehner. Metro Police Captain Michael Dalley said there was plenty of co-operation between his officers and the protestors. "We consider this group to be an example of how to do it compared to some of the other incidents we've seen throughout the nation."
Demonstrators began gathering at sunrise and grew to a crowd of about 75 by the time the protest peaked at 10 a.m.
Despite threats to block traffic on the Las Vegas Strip, the group stayed outside the federal building, as about 30 Metro police officers looked on.
The protest mirrored the scene in New York City, where police in riot gear arrested "Occupy" members who blocked traffic in the financial district.
Las Vegas "Occupy" protests have been peaceful since they began in early October, although several news stations -- including FOX5 -- have had their news vehicles vandalized with graffiti.
Asked about the vandalism this morning, an "Occupy" member told FOX5 to "have a sense of humor" about it.
One member says plans are in the works to have the permit where the movement has set up camp outside McCarran renewed for another 30 days.
FOX5 wants to know what you think of the "Occupy" movement. Send your comments to Facebook and The RANT.
You can hear the responses on FOX5 News at 10.
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