Nation : Protesters Deface Capitol Steps

WASHINGTON —  Demonstrators splashed the marble steps and columns of the House and Senate with a red liquid today in a protest of the plight of homeless people.

The steps, leading to the restricted members’ entrances to both chambers, are guarded by Capitol police, but the demonstrators rushed behind the officers to toss the red liquid, Officer Dan Nichols said.

The incident occurred about noon, while scores of tourists were on the grounds, and hours before President Bush was to deliver his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress.

Nicols said the two demonstrators face a misdemeanor charge of an act of physical violence against federal property. A third demonstrator was arrested later on charges of refusing to leave the House steps.