Cincinnati police released the identities of the nine protesters who were arrested outside Kroger headquarters, and none are from the local area.
About 60 activists were demonstrating Sept. 23 outside the company's headquarters in downtown Cincinnati to urge the grocery chain to honor what they say is its commitment to transition to cage-free eggs.
The nine arrested face charges of resisting arrest and trespassing, according to an afternoon statement by Cincinnati police. Some chained themselves to the business' entrance.
Their identities are as follows:
- Caitlin Guthrie, 30, of Austin, Texas.
- Kenan Osmanagic, 24, Norwell, Massachussettes.
- Nicholas Divella, 38, Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Conrad Listman, 24, Vienna, Virginia.
- Zachary Jordan, 38, Chicago, Illinois.
- Ruby Kincannon, 27, Wichita Falls, Texas.
- Evelyn Rhynedance, 40, Broadway, North Carolina.
- Thomas Earp, 21, Tallahassee, Florida.
- Brad Merrill, 31, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Cincinnati interim Police Chief Adam Hennie said the situation began around 7:40 a.m. and that from start to finish everyone was "extremely peaceful." No protesters, officers or fire personnel were
injured, he said.
What activists were protesting at Kroger
Los Angeles-based Animal Equality has staged near-daily protests outside Kroger's Downtown headquarters since June, criticizing the retailer for scaling back a 2016 pledge to source only cage-free eggs by 2025.
"We do everything we can to protect everyone's First Amendment rights," Hennie said. "The protesters that have been here in the past have been within that law and very peaceful."
The demonstrations have drawn complaints from nearby businesses and residents. Kroger has said cage-free eggs cost about 30% more to produce than conventional eggs and has emphasized its support for peaceful protest.
Protest organizers previously agreed to limit demonstrations from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and avoid amplified noise.
As the chains were being removed Wednesday, the streets around the building were closed and police tape was up at Vine and Court streets. Dozens of Cincinnati police officers were in the area.
Police and fire personnel used bolt cutters and saws to remove the chains from the building and protesters.
While they were initially very quiet, protesters across the street began chanting as the chains came off and the nine were loaded into a police van and other vehicles. “Smash the locks and liberate," they chanted. “Blood on their hands."
By 9:30 a.m., the roads around the Kroger building were reopening and all the protesters had left.
In a statement, Kroger indicated the latest protest was a danger to public safety.
"Kroger respects the right to peaceful protest and for people to make their voices heard. But extreme tactics that create safety concerns for our associates, visitors and neighbors cross a line," the company said.
Kroger said it had met with the protest group, but reiterated it was focused on keeping food prices lower.
"Keeping food affordable and delivering value for our customers, particularly as families face higher costs, remains a core priority," the company said.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 9 people arrested after Kroger protest, none from Cincinnati
