Protesters Chain Themselves to Wells Fargo Building in Downtown Duluth

Police and fire rescue squads responded to the scene

DULUTH, Minn. — Protesters delayed the opening of a downtown Duluth bank to draw attention to that bank’s investments with oil pipeline projects.

Nearly 30 people gathered at the downtown Wells Fargo branch at about 9 this morning and at least three people chained themselves in front of the entrance.

The group is trying to draw attention to the bank’s involvement with the Line 3 pipeline project.

One protester chained his neck to the bank’s gate using a bicycle lock.

Police and fire rescue squads responded to the scene.

The protesters were removed from the chains and detained.

One of the demonstrators says they are trying to send a message to all financial institutions.

“We plan to do this for the rest of our lives, however long it takes, whatever it takes to send a message across, you know, in a nonviolent way,” Ernesto Burbank, a protester, said.

The three protesters were arrested for trespassing, disorderly conduct and obstructing the legal process.