OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (AP) -- An annual protest of nuclear weapons has ended early at the government's Y-12 Plant on Oak Ridge.
Members of the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance told The Knoxville News Sentinel that security officers told them to leave an area near the plant entrance late Sunday night or face arrest. Some had intended to stay until Monday morning.
The "peace vigil" has been held annually for the past 12 years. About 45 people gathered Sunday to sing songs and perform skits in protest of Y-12.
Officials say the previous weekend, security at Y-12 was breached by three protesters, including an 82-year-old nun. They were charged with trespassing and malicious destruction of property after allegedly splashing blood on the bunker that holds most of the nation's bomb-grade uranium.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
