Fence-jumpers arrested outside of the Democratic National Convention

Four demonstrators were taken into custody Tuesday evening after they scaled an 8-foot fence and attempted to enter a Secret Service-designated secure zone, police said Wednesday.

“At no point did the individuals enter the Wells Fargo Center,” the Philadelphia Police Department said in a written statement.

Police said the fence-jumpers were immediately arrested without incident, but at least one citizen journalist group reported that officers had used pepper spray on protesters. The group’s video posted to Twitter showed a woman with red eyes and others coughing after apparently being sprayed.

The four suspects, identified in a federal complaint as Anna Marie Sternberg, Barbara Burns, Katherine Roberts and James Williams, were charged under 18 U.S. Code, Section 1752 that applies to entering a “restricted building or grounds.”

The pro-Bernie Sanders quartet spent the night in federal custody but were released after appearing before a federal magistrate judge Wednesday afternoon, according to NPR reporter Bobby Allyn who was at the hearing.

An estimated 5,000 people participated in eight different protests near the Democratic convention on Tuesday, police said.

Philadelphia officers also ticketed five other demonstrators for disorderly conduct on Tuesday. In all, police said 59 disorderly conduct tickets have been issued since the Democratic National Convention started on Monday. A code violation carries a $50 fine.

Jason Sickles is a national reporter for Yahoo News. Follow him on Twitter (@jasonsickles).

_____

Related slideshows:

On the ground at the DNC — a photo report >>>

How newspapers covered the historic second day of the DNC >>>

Bernie Sanders’ supporters make a last stand >>>

Sanders supporters weep at DNC >>>

How newspapers covered the DNC’s first big day >>>

Demonstrators protest outside the DNC >>>