Occupy Philadelphia confronts Wells Fargo

Occupy Philadelphia marched on Wells Fargo this afternoon, angrily shouting slogans and refusing to leave the bank's facility at 17th and Market Streets in Center City.

By the end of the nearly two hour demonstration, police had arrested two women and 12 men.

About 50 protesters amassed in front of the building about 4:10 p.m. One participant told a reporter they would only be staying "five minutes." The occupiers, however, were still roaring slogans at 5:15 p.m. as police officers struggled to remove a group of 10 activists who had rooted themselves inside the building lobby, sitting on the floor with linked arms.

"Wells Fargo, no more foreclosures. Wells Fargo, no more loopholes," the protesters blared. "Bailed out, sold out. Bailed out, sold out."

Police, appearing frustrated and doing their best to prevent an outburst of violence, began to uproot the seated protesters. Four officers were required to remove each activist. Supporters outside the building shouted "Arms! Arms!" to their comrads and "Shame on you!" at the police officers.

Fred Suffin, 55, of Bucks County, took in the spectacle during the early minutes of the action. Suffin said he supported the protest.

"It exposes the onerous practices and corporate greed that Wells Fargo is a symbol of," Suffin said.

A building maintenance worker also stood outside. Maria Santana, 41, works inside the Wells Fargo facility.

Santana said she once held an account with Wells Fargo. She no longer does.

Santana said she had asked for a $2,000 loan from the bank to help make a mortgage payment. The bank, she said, refused and she lost her home to foreclosure.

"Not everyone is real smart and bank smart," Santana said. "When they realize they lost something, of course they're going to be upset. And if you don't fight for your rights, no one is going to fight for them."