Hundreds of people called the Bush administration's policies a crime and held up yellow police tape in front of the White House amid a nationwide day of protest against the president.
The 500 demonstrators were among many who gathered for similar events on Thursday in more than 200 cities to protest US President George W. Bush on issues ranging from global warming to the war in Iraq.
"We are turning the corner in bringing forward a mass movement of resistance to drive out the Bush regime," said organizer Travis Morales from the activist group World Can't Wait.
Some dressed in costume, including a hooded prisoner in an orange jumpsuit, a devilish rendition of Bush and two grim reapers. One man wore a red cheerleader outfit with "Radical" emblazoned on the jersey.
The demonstrators held up yellow police tape along a three-block stretch in front of the White House.
Thousands of protesters clogged New York City's streets as they marched from the UN headquarters. Some people lay down in the middle of the street, while others carried signs saying "Expose 9/11" and "This war should be over."
They also handed out fliers reading, "Drive out Bush."
Lydia Sugarman, 82, of Manhattan, said she believed in the power of demonstrating.
"That's how we got our civil rights," she said. "If we didn't protest we wouldn't be Americans."
White House spokeswoman Nicole Guillemard defended the administration's Iraq policy.
"Our Constitution guarantees the right to peacefully express one's views. The men and women in our military are fighting to bring the people of Iraq these same rights and freedoms," she said. "The president believes it is important to stay on the offense in Iraq."
World Can't Wait was founded last year and has organized several marches since then, including a nationwide protest coinciding with Bush's State of the Union address in January, according to the group's Web site.
Supporters listed on the site include Edward Asner, Ed Begley and Jane Fonda and activists such as the Reverend Jesse Jackson, the Reverend Al Sharpton and "Peace Mom" Cindy Sheehan.
In Seattle, a person carrying a rifle wrapped in a blanket was among five people arrested. The charges against the others ranged from resisting arrest to assault.
"They're still investigating to determine what that person was doing with the rifle," Seattle Police spokeswoman Debra Brown said.
The march through Seattle's streets was peaceful as protesters chanted and waved signs. One woman dressed as a pageant queen with a sash that read, "I miss America."
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