September 1 Protests at the Republican National Convention, St. Paul

An estimated 8,000-10,000 people marched from the Minnesota State Capitol to the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul on Monday. Most marchers were individuals and groups opposing Republican Policies and the war in Iraq, with some anarchists and anti-corporate demonstrators.

Some carried placards and posters with local messages, or on other current events. One woman had a sign sending love to hurricane-battered New Orleans, and man's poster expressed his disapproval of local government handling of the Interstate 35-W bridge collapse in Minneapolis.

The march was essentially peaceful, winding around downtown St. Paul for two hours. After the marchers had made their way back to the Capitol at around 3 p.m, trouble started between protesters and police, and almost 300 people were arrested.

Anti-RNC protesters promise more trouble in the next few days. Downtown St. Paul was busy today, but peaceful, and hopefully peaceful protests will dominate while the Republicans are in town.

• View Photographs of Anti-War Protesters Marching in St. Paul on September 1

_{Anti-war marchers at the Minnesota State Capitol. Photo Clara James}