Greenpeace activists arrested after balloons lift banner in Senate office building

Greenpeace activists arrested in Senate building

WASHINGTON — Three Greenpeace activists were arrested after their balloon-powered banner criticizing Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, was released in the Senate Hart Office Building.

Sgt. Kimberly Schneider, a Capitol Police spokeswoman, said they would be charged with unlawful conduct, demonstrating in a Capitol building.

The banner that rose to the ceiling of the building’s 90-foot atrium said “Lisa Murkowski, Happily matched since 2004″ and had the logos of three companies: Exxon, Chevron and Southern Co.

Greenpeace spokesman Joe Smyth said Greenpeace was protesting ties between Murkowski and polluters.

Murkowski spokesman Michael Brumas said the senator “has legitimate concerns about the economic consequences of EPA regulating greenhouse gases and believes the American people deserve a full debate on the issue.”