McGovern Comments on D.C. Arrest

Congressman Jim McGovern's (D-Worcester) in Washington D.C. was an expected one. 

“We held a rally outside the embassy, technically on Sudanese property," said McGovern in an interview with Go Local Worcester. "We were told by police that we crossed the police line and after we finished our speeches we were given a warning and told to disperse and we didn’t disperse, so we were arrested.”

This was in fact the third time McGovern had been arrested during protests in front of the Sudanese embassy, but this time it was with actor George Clooney, attracting significantly more attention than the previous incidents. 

“I spent four and half hours in a cell with him. He visited Sudan several times, which shows a lot of guts and courage, said McGovern to Go Local Worcester. "He didn’t have to speak out on this issue and get arrested, but he did and it brought a lot attention to an important issue. I have always been a fan of Clooney as an actor, but now I am a fan of him as a human being."

Go Local Worcester also reported that McGovern said his position and status should not be affected by the misdemeanor arrest, calling protesting "a very American thing."

Also arrested during the protest was Clooney's father Nick, Rep. Jim Moran (D-Virginia), Rep. John Olver (D-Amherst), Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), former Rep. Tom Andrews (D-Maine) and Martin Luther King III, son of Martin Luther King Jr.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date on the latest Marlborough news, or simply hit the "like" button at the top of this page. If you'd like to receive the daily newsletter with our top stories, click here.