The Latest: Statue of Liberty climber says it was a protest
NEW YORK (AP) — The Latest on the arrest of a woman who climbed the base of the Statue of Liberty (all times local):
4:10 p.m.
A woman who climbed the base of the Statue of Liberty on the Fourth of July says she was protesting the separation of children from parents accused of crossing the U.S.-Mexican border illegally.
Therese Okoumou said Thursday after a court appearance on misdemeanor charges that her protest was spontaneous.
The 44-year-old Okoumou pleaded not guilty to trespassing and disorderly conduct and was released without bail after spending the night in custody.
The National Park Service evacuated more than 4,000 visitors off Liberty Island as a precaution.