Jane Fonda was arrested on Friday for the third consecutive week outside of the U.S. Capitol, along with a group holding a protest over climate change. And what’s especially notable about this arrest is that this time, none other than Ted Danson was among those led away in handcuffs. “I will be on the Capitol every Friday, rain or shine, inspired and emboldened by the incredible movement our youth have created,” the Grace and Frankie star previously stated on her website, true to words.
Video from the protest began surfacing on Twitter around 11 a.m., and The Good Place actor was seen being arrested just after 12:30 p.m. local time. Danson now joins the esteemed ranks of actor Sam Waterston, who just last week arrested with Fonda while protesting.
Washington Post reporter Hannah Jewell captured footage from the wild scene. “Jane Fonda (and Ted Danson) are arriving at the Capitol to get arrested for the third time in her weekly climate change protests,” Jewell wrote, adding that Fonda asked a visiting group of “very buttoned up college kids” if they wanted to join the protest.
Jane just asked a group of very buttoned up college kids on a capitol visit if they wanted to join her. Ted Danson added that getting arrested “sharpens the mind”. pic.twitter.com/k2nqThf3aP
— Hannah Jewell (@hcjewell) October 25, 2019
Despite his claim that getting arrested “sharpens the mind,” Danson was overheard answering “nope” to a shouted question on whether he’d been arrested before. In fact, it was Fonda herself that inspired Danson to get involved, as he told the crowd.
“When I turned 70 I thought ok, time to rest on my laurels” says Ted…”and then I met Jane Fonda”. He calls her his mentor. “Here I am about to get arrested.” pic.twitter.com/tcUc4cOmRL
— Hannah Jewell (@hcjewell) October 25, 2019
Ted Danson seems to be having a grand time pic.twitter.com/uqm4Min1f3
— Hannah Jewell (@hcjewell) October 25, 2019
He did it, folks. Ted Danson arrested by the capitol police. pic.twitter.com/tD7lvzgpjF
— Hannah Jewell (@hcjewell) October 25, 2019
Jane gets patted down and shouts “Ted, are ya having fun yet?!” pic.twitter.com/pRRBBjvwpG
— Hannah Jewell (@hcjewell) October 25, 2019
Following their arrest, Jewell also added that Danson shared a handcuffed high-five with Fonda, as footage from others began surfacing.
Ted Danson just got arrested. What a time! pic.twitter.com/usKBpfICHb
— kaysi ✨ (@Iilithsternin) October 25, 2019
@Janefonda was just arrested for the 3rd time calling on climate justice now. This week we are demanding the protection and restoration of our oceans #firedrillfriday pic.twitter.com/knLZod35Yl
— Fire Drill Fridays (@FireDrillFriday) October 25, 2019
https://twitter.com/ProducerSass/status/1187766686168039424
According to The Hollywood Reporter, those who were arrested on Friday will likely be charged with “crowding, obstructing or incommoding,” which Fonda received from the previous two instances.
On her blog, Fonda wrote that it had been special that the “wonderful” Sam Waterston had joined her last week, given the fact that he is “essentially a centrist, not given to speaking at such rallies,” much less getting arrested.
“But he was there and most articulate in expressing how, while he might not agree with every aspect of the Green New Deal, he sees it as a framework for solutions on the scale and depth commensurate with the catastrophe we’re facing,” she continued. “He understands we are in the midst of an unprecedented crisis and that now is the time for everyone, including centrists, to join together to make the necessary changes.”