SALEM, Ore. -- Several hundred anti-corporate demonstrators held a march and rally Monday at the Capitol and then set up camp nearby.
The march spilled into the streets of downtown while police helped with traffic. A rally was also held on the steps of the Capitol. One person was arrested after allegedly driving across the Capitol Mall.
"Occupy Salem" then set up camp at Wilson Park for what protesters described as an indefinite stay. Police first said they could not stay overnight but a deadline to leave was extended.
Photos: 'Occupy Salem' and 'Occupy Portland'
It was a diverse group, including students, seniors, the working and the unemployed.
"I think a lot of students have been hearing what's going on, and are engaged and worried just like anyone else," said Willamette University Student Sara Quinn.
"We need to take back the country as a whole and make sure that our politicians listen to what we need," added demonstrator Tiffany Galvan.
The demonstration is part of the Occupy Wall Street movement that began early this month in New York to protest corporate power and influence. Demonstrators have expressed anger and frustration with our political and financial systems.
In Portland, the Occupy Portland demonstrators have been camping in Chapman Park. Most moved out for a time Sunday to cooperate with the Portland Marathon.
