Occupy Des Moines gathers ahead of court date (video)

About 100 supporters of the Occupy Des Moines movement gathered outside the Polk County Courthouse Wednesday morning in advance of an appearance before a judge for trespassing charges.

Dozens of demonstrators were arrested Oct. 9 for refusing to leave the State Capitol grounds after the 11 p.m. closing time. Many of them are contesting their arrests and have asked for a jury trial, saying their First Amendment rights were violated.

The group, including a “chain gang” of about 10 demonstrators, marched to Wells Fargo’s downtown Des Moines offices after gathering at the courthouse, where a sign on the door said the building was closed “due to an emergency.”

Check back later for a story on what happened in court.