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Bay Area Greenpeace Protesters Hang 'Resist' Banner Near White House

WASHINGTON (CBS SF) – Protesters with the environmental group Greenpeace, some with Bay Area ties, spent several hours on a construction crane near the White House where they unfurled a massive banner with the word "RESIST."

Police say the group of seven protesters climbed the crane at a downtown Washington construction site Wednesday morning. After a few hours, a few of the protesters dangling from the horizontal arm of the crane opened the 70-foot by 35-foot banner.

Greenpeace says the activists are protesting President Donald Trump's agenda, particularly his push to restart two major pipeline projects. Spokesman Travis Nichols said it's a continuation of protests that began with Trump's inauguration.

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The banner they unfurled could be seen from the White House, and from farther away, appeared to hang above the presidential residence.

Greenpeace Board Chair Karen Topakian, who started with the organization in San Francisco in 1987, was among those who were on the crane. She described her actions on Facebook Live.

Protester Nancy Pili of San Francisco also live streamed from the top of the crane.

A District of Columbia police spokeswoman says the seven people who climbed the 270-foot crane would be arrested when they get to the ground. Police would consult with prosecutors on charges.

TM and © Copyright 2017 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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