Greenfield Police Explain Arrests at Paul Ryan Luncheon

The three protesters arrested yesterday at the Whitnall Park Rotary Club's luncheon featuring U.S. Congressman Paul Ryan were warned in advance what would happen if spoke out, according to the .

"The event was a private function, held on private property," Greenfield Interim Police Chief Brad Wentlandt said. "The Whitnall Rotary was the host and in control of the banquet hall, thereby having the right to allow entry, refuse entry or demand that anyone be removed who they did not want there."

According to Wentlandt, all attendees were provided with a statement on the standards of conduct for those attending the luncheon. The statement stated anyone would be asked to leave the event, and if they failed to do so would face arrest.

and given municipal citations for trespassing. One of those arrested also received a citation for resisting arrest.

"We had a procedure in place where a member of the rotary — the property 'owners' for the event — would ask the unruly person to sit down and be quiet," Wentlandt said. "If the person refused, then law enforcement would step in and make the same request. If the person continued to refuse, they were escorted out. If they did not resist, they were escorted to the doors and off the property. If they continued their behavior or resisted, they were arrested."