Nine arrested at NY Capitol after protesters block entrance to Executive Chamber

ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) — Nine protesters were arrested during a protest outside the doors of the Executive Chamber at the State Capitol on Tuesday.

Organized by Citizen Action of New York, dozens from across the state gathered to rally for stronger tenant protections.

Protesters started the protest outside before marching through the capital until arriving at the entrance of the Governor’s Office.

“Today we had an action where we spoke outside of Senate Chambers and Assembly Chambers and ultimately blocked entrance to Governor Hochul’s office in order to make a statement that we must have a budget that prioritizes everyday New Yorkers,” said Rebecca Garrard, Deputy Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York.

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“This governor has made it very clear through this year's executive budget and other policies she put forth in her short tenure that she's prioritizing real estate interests over the interest of tenants,” she added. .

Protesters were rallying and blocking the Executive Chamber doors for roughly an hour before state troopers moved in.

Nine protesters were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, according to Garrard.

“This budget is a moral document, and it has to reflect that. We need investments in education, and we need investments in housing, and by housing, we do not mean handouts to real estate industries, we mean vouchers to tenants who need it. We mean protections for tenants against evictions that are no fault and against rent hikes that are driving people out of their homes,” said Gerrard.

The arrested protesters have since been released with appearance tickets.