Prosecutors charge 2 in pipeline protest at Vikings stadium
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Prosecutors have charged two people with misdemeanors for hanging from the rafters during a Minnesota Vikings game at U.S. Bank Stadium and unfurling a banner protesting the Dakota Access oil pipeline.
Thirty-three-year-old Karl Zimmermann Mayo of Minneapolis and 26-year-old Sen Holiday of St. Paul were charged Tuesday with burglary, disorderly conduct and trespass. Their first appearance is Feb. 17.
Zimmermann Mayo and Holiday were arrested Jan. 1 after authorities say they unfurled a banner urging Minneapolis-based U.S. Bank to divest from the four-state, $3.8 billion pipeline. Fans seated below were evacuated.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Defense attorney Tim Phillips says Zimmermann Mayo and Holiday were acting in solidarity with opponents who contend the pipeline could affect drinking water and Native American artifacts. Texas-based developer Energy Transfer Partners says the pipeline will be safe.