Protesters Arrested, Tear Gassed at Governor’s Mansion

Jefferson City police say eight people were arrested during a demonstration outside the Missouri Governor's Mansion on Thursday.

Police say the protesters, reportedly from St. Louis, were blocking the driveway of the mansion, with some lying in the street around 12:30 p.m.  Officers began making arrests on High Street after orders to disperse were not followed around 2 p.m.

Police say the arrests were made for violations of unlawful assembly and resisting or interfering with an arrest.  KRCG-TV reports the demonstrators were protesting against a recently passed crime bill, which they believe is too harsh. Republican Governor Parson signed it earlier this month.

Video taken at the scene shows police using tear gas as the arrests began.