Face of Nation : A woman was arrested Friday on charges including assault after dropping what authorities said “appeared to be blood” on members of the California Senate from her seat in the visitor gallery. The disturbance occurred as lawmakers were wrapping up their work before adjourning for the year, forcing them to evacuate the chamber to continue in a nearby committee hearing room.
The woman, who was identified by California Highway Patrol officials as Rebecca Dalelio, 43, was among dozens of protesters who were inside the state Capitol to oppose a pair of bills signed Monday by Gov. Gavin Newsom to impose new oversight of childhood vaccine exemptions. Public records show Dalelio is a resident of Boulder Creek near Santa Cruz, and a Facebook profile matching her photo and name contains multiple postings critical of vaccines, the last one made in March. A phone call to Dalelio seeking comment was not returned.
Authorities roped off the Senate chamber with caution tape Friday evening as CHP and Senate officers began an investigation. The CHP later said in a statement that the blood-like substance was contained in “a feminine hygiene device” held by the woman, who was arrested and booked on six charges including assault, vandalism and disorderly conduct.
“A crime was committed today, but the Senate will not be deterred from conducting the people’s business,” Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) said as she stood at the front of the committee hearing room when the proceedings resumed in the new location. Pan said the liquid splashed on his back and desk. He said other senators were hit on the head with the liquid.
“Everyone is pretty disturbed and upset,” he said. “It’s like we’ve been saying, violent rhetoric turns to violent acts. This is a direct attack on the democratic process and this should be condemned by everyone. This needs to stop.”
The new laws, Senate Bills 276 and 714, would create state oversight of medical exemptions for vaccines required to attend public and private schools, as well as day care centers.California already has some of the nation’s tightest childhood immunization laws, allowing doctors to excuse children, temporarily or permanently, from some or all vaccinations if there is a medical reason.
Opponents had hoped Newsom would loosen guidelines or veto the bills. His signature inspired outrage among anti-vaccine activists, who traveled to Sacramento from cities across the state to join the protests.
Legislative leaders had warned lawmakers and Capitol staff members to anticipate the potential for large crowds arriving Friday.
“This is an outrageous way of trying to protest or make a point,” said state Sen. Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo), who was seated at his desk on the floor when liquid fell on unsuspecting legislators.
A statement from the CHP late Friday said officers have sought to ensure protesters can “exercise their First Amendment rights while not interfering with the daily operations of the State Capitol or the safety of the occupants on state property.” Some activists were frustrated by Friday’s events, saying they shouldn’t all be held responsible for the actions of one person
