Karl Rove

Anti-war protestors try to confront long-time Bush advisor - Friday, July 25, 2008, 3:22 PM - By O.Kay Henderson

Four peace activists were arrested in Des Moines today as they tried to make a "citizens arrest" of Karl Rove, the long-time political advisor to President Bush. "It should be Karl Rove in that van. War Criminal!" one of the protesters shouted as the four were rounded up by cops. "Where's there justice in this country?"

Rove was in Des Moines to speak at a private fundraiser for the Republican Party of Iowa. The protesters let the police know of their wish to make a "citizens arrest" of Rove, then police arrested the four as they stepped beyond the gate at the entrance to the private Wakonda Club where Rove was speaking. Eighty-year-old Chet Guinn, a retired Methodist minister, was among those led away. "To be silent when major crimes are being committed against all humanity makes us accomplices," Gwinn told reporters just before his arrest.

About a dozen peace activists showed up for the protest. Daniella Bermeo of Ecuador stood at the side of a busy Des Moines street, holding a poster. "Karl Rove is a war criminal and war criminals cannot just be running around like that, like they haven't done anything," Bermeo said. "I'm supporting the cause and supporting the people that he's committed war crimes against."

Am Shahmeer of Des Moines, a former resident of Pakistan, said the small group hopes their message somehow gets through to Rove. "There's people out there who really care, who know what's going on and they're out there to stand up against any injustice that anyone is doing," Shahmeer said.