2 Arrested At Protest Outside Raytheon Facility In Portsmouth

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Protestors blocked the entrances to the Raytheon facility in Portsmouth Thursday morning, and police have arrested two of the protestors.

The protest was organized by the FANG Collective, which describes itself as a Pawtucket-based community organizing and direct action group., and RAM INC (Resist and Abolish the Military Industrial Complex). In a tweet, FANG claimed its "blockade stopped work at Raytheon for over 5 hours." The group said it was protesting Raytheon's weapon sales to Saudi Arabia and Israel and "their involvement in enforcing the U.S.-Mexican border."

Portsmouth police were called to the Raytheon facility at 1847 W. Main Rd, just after 6 a.m. Police said they found two cars blocking the entrance to the gates, preventing employees from coming to work.

Two men, later identified as Frank Fortino, 26, of Providence, and Nicholas Katkevich, 36, of Bristol, attached themselves to concrete blocks in and underneath their cars, according to police. After police tried negotiating with the men, officers called the Portsmouth Fire Department to help free the men.

"After determining a course of action and safety concerns, the individuals were extricated from the vehicles," Portsmouth police said in a statement.

Fortino and Katkevich were both charged with trespassing, conspiracy, disorderly conduct and obstruction of a police officer.

Raytheon issued a statement to the Associated Press, following the protest.

"We respect the right to lawful and peaceful protest," a spokesperson for Raytheon told the Associated Press.