Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Closed, Protesters Pepper Sprayed

Posted on October 8, 2011

The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum has been shut down after hundreds of protesters tried to enter the building carrying signs. People are not allowed to carry large signs into the museum. The museum's website says, "Tonight's Smithsonian's Stars lecture has been canceled. The Museum in DC is closed for the rest of today."

The Washington Post reports that it is not yet clear if these protesters are associated with the Occupy Wall Street movement that has spread nationwide.

The group of protesters were pepper-sprayed by police. One woman was arrested. Here is some raw video footage of the incident taken by someone carrying a smartphone. Take a look:

SPACE