2 arrested for dyeing Virginia Capitol fountain red

Two people were arrested Monday for putting red dye in a fountain near the Virginia State Capitol amid protests over scandals surrounding the state's top leadership.

Capitol police confirmed one male and one female were arrested due to the incident, but specific charges have not been released.

The male was identified as 23-year-old Patrick Talamantes of Sacramento, California, who was charged with vandalism and littering after he tossed a container of red dye in the fountain.

The woman was stopped by police when they saw her with a dye pack by another fountain, and she was issued a notice barring her from the Capitol for six months.

A third person is also suspected and may face charges.

Police said Talamantes and the woman were part of a small group of protesters who called on Northam to resign. Northam's been under fire since a racist picture surfaced in his medical school yearbook.

Police said 45-year-old Michelle Sutherland of Florida was charged with indecent exposure in a separate protest related to the Equal Rights Amendment.

The incidents occurred as protests were held at the Capitol on Monday afternoon, demanding Governor Ralph Northam's resignation and calling for lawmakers to pass the Equal Rights Amendment.