69 Line 3 protesters arrested at Governor’s Residence

Dozens of demonstrators protesting the Enbridge Line 3 replacement project were detained Saturday on the lawn of the Minnesota Governor’s Residence in St. Paul.

Saturday’s demonstration follows days of protest, including a large gathering in the hundreds outside the Capitol. Minnesota state troopers placed protesters in zip-tie restraints and led them onto white school buses.

A total of 69 arrests were made, according to the Minnesota State Patrol. Holding charges include disorderly conduct, third-degree riot and felony threats of violence. Those who were arrested will be booked into the Ramsey County Jail.

“If you swarm someone’s home, chain yourself to the fence and pull on the gate in an attempt to tear it down, you should expect to be arrested,” Col. Matt Langer, chief of the Minnesota State Patrol, said in a statement.

Native American and environmental activists who oppose the Line 3 oil pipeline say it will harm the land and water and traverse sacred tribal land.

Enbridge, which manages the pipeline, says it has invested $270 million into the replacement project, which has produced thousands of jobs and millions in local spending.