Three left-wing activists were arrested Wednesday at the Iowa Capitol protest, while protesting President Donald Trump’s policies.
According to the Des Moines Register, Iowa State Patrol escorted the protesters out of the Capitol after they became disruptive, repeatedly chanting “Nazis.” The demonstration was part of a nationwide protest effort organized by the 50501 Movement, which coordinated protests in all 50 states on the same day.
Authorities identified the arrested individuals as Heaven Chamberlain, 29, Heather Ryan, 52, and Bryan Guyer, 19. Ryan, a former candidate for the Iowa House and U.S. Congress, was among the two organizers arrested. Each individual faces a misdemeanor charge for interference with official acts and was released on a $300 bond.
The protest began outside the Capitol at noon with hundreds of attendees. As the demonstration outside dwindled, a smaller group moved inside, where Moms for Liberty was hosting a legislative event. The group, which advocates for parental rights in education, describes itself as an organization dedicated to “fighting for the survival of America by unifying, educating, and empowering parents.”
According to a criminal complaint, law enforcement informed the protesters they could not enter the Capitol rotunda due to the scheduled event. Despite multiple warnings, some protesters reportedly ignored police orders and attempted to push past officers. Department of Administrative Services Director Adam Steen ultimately ordered their removal.
Ryan later posted a video on TikTok describing the arrest, noting that she and the others were detained at Polk County Jail until supporters donated money for their bail.
Moms for Liberty shared a video of the arrests on X (formerly Twitter), thanking law enforcement for their response.
“Radical protestors were arrested today at the Iowa Capitol Building for trying to disrupt our Moms for Liberty Iowa Legislative Day. We are grateful for the Law Enforcement on duty for keeping our Iowa moms safe,” the organization wrote. “Make no mistake, we will not be intimidated or silenced!”
Republican lawmakers who spoke at the Moms for Liberty event also acknowledged the protest but reaffirmed their commitment to education reforms.
“We will be No. 1 in education again. We will do it without the help of these guys,” said Rep. Skyler Wheeler (R-Orange City) in reference to the protesters.
