Sixty-five people were arrested Saturday outside the White House in a protest that organizers said was to pressure President Obama to deny a permit for a new oil pipeline.
The protesters were charged with failing to obey an order governing protests on the White House sidewalk, said Sgt. David Schlosser, a spokesman for the U.S. Park Police.
The president left Thursday for a 10-day vacation, but protesters said they expected two weeks of demonstrations.
The incident Saturday appeared to involve the largest number of arrests near the White House since more than 100 people were taken into custody during a war protest in March.
A statement on a Web site connected with the demonstration said protesters expected most of those arrested to be held for a court appearance Monday.
In a statement, protesters said the proposed pipeline from Canada to the Gulf Coast would pose environmental risks.
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