Dozens of people were arrested after a peaceful protest in Syracuse. Hundreds from all over the state came to fight the use of unmanned reaper drones in war. As our Katie Gibas reports, a permit was issued for a grassy area in front of the air field, but a number of protestors laid in the road, blocking access to the base.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- It was a protest of peace, even though the message was of the destruction caused by reaper drones.

Ann Wright, a protestor who is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, said, "They may hit people. They may say, 'yeah, we meant to hit those people.' But then those people turn out to be wedding parties. Those people killed turn out not to be militants."

Anthony Bucci, the 174th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Officer, countered, "While it is disappointing because we do think the MQ9 is a great weapons platform, it is part of what we do wearing the uniform is to protect their constitution and their right to do exactly what they're doing."

As the permit expired, people refused to leave and began laying down in the street to represent the people killed by reaper drones, blocking the entrance to the Air National Guard Base.

"They were given numerous instructions to get up. They refused to. Again, they were asked to get up. They refused to. At this point, the commanding officer made a decision to arrest them," said William Gabriel, an Onondaga County Sheriff's Deputy.

Kevin Walsh, the Onondaga County Sheriff, added, "People want to make a point. Part of making their point is the fact that they're willing to be arrested. And we accommodated that."

Throughout the rally, there was a large police and military presence. Sheriff's deputies were out here on the grassy area where the protest was being held. Military personnel behind the fence, outfitted in riot gear just in case.

"There have been instances where people have tried to climb the gate. There have been instances where there have been serious issues that occur at these kinds of massive protests," said Walsh.

In the end, 37 people between the ages of 17 and 91 were arrested for disorderly conduct and obstruction for governmental administration.

Several of the protestors were arraigned and held on bail at the Onondaga County Justice Center. The remaining protestors were released on appearance tickets.