Protesters demonstrating at the Capitol in Raleigh said they will continue to fight for the "Occupy Wall Street" movement despite 20 arrests on Saturday.
Police have said the protesters can picket on the sidewalk, and if they do not follow the rules, they will be subject to arrest.
It was a lesson learned by 20 protesters who refused to leave the Capitol grounds Saturday night.
"But at the end of the night I was there to make a statement that the 99 percent of us need to be heard," said Josh Harris.
Harris said the cause is worth getting arrested simply to have a voice.
"It's an unfair thing that we cannot afford the representation," said Harris.
Occupy Raleigh protesters claim one percent of people in America control more than 40 percent of the nation's money.
It is a reality Harris said he knows first hand. He said he quit his former job as a financial adviser because he wanted to offer advice to people regardless of their income.
"I was directed not to pursue low income earners because it would not make us a lot of money," said Harris.
Protesters told NBC-17 they will continue to demonstrate for as long as it takes to get change.
"You never get to gain your rights unless you are willing to suffer for them," said Bo Chagnon.
Chagnon said he went to jail to show he was willing to pay the price.
Tricia Robertson spoke out as she was being loaded into a police transport vehicle.
"We are fighting for your rights if you believe in our constitution you need to come down here now," said Robertson.
Many of those arrested Saturday returned to protest on Sunday. Some of those arrested said they returned right after they were released and spent the night on the sidewalk.
The punishment for trespassing ranges from 20 days in jail to having to pay court costs and a fine. Those arrested are banned from the Capitol Grounds.
Demonstrators also held an event in Durham on Sunday.
Advertisement