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Julie Hanson Swanson, a retired federal worker from Arlington, was arrested during a peaceful protest on Capitol Hill after refusing to leave a demonstration against cuts to U.S. foreign aid.

Swanson joined a “die-in” at the Cannon Building Rotunda on Feb. 26. Demonstrators lay on the floor to represent people they believe could die if funding for lifesaving assistance is not restored.

Before the protest, participants were told that U.S. Capitol Police would issue three warnings. Swanson and other demonstrators remained after the third warning and were arrested.

“The Capitol policeman who arrested me was courteous,” Swanson said. She said the officer helped her off the floor, placed zip ties around her wrists and escorted her to a prisoner transport van.

Police took the protesters to Capitol Police headquarters, where officers recorded their information and checked for outstanding warrants. Swanson said some participants experienced discomfort from the zip ties and asked that they be loosened.

After paying a $50 fine, she was released. Swanson said the restraints left marks on her wrists.

The arrest was a first for Swanson, whose federal career included 26 years with the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Peace Corps before her retirement in 2020.

Born in Winooski, Vermont, Swanson joined the Girl Scouts and played varsity field hockey at her public high school. She volunteered with the Peace Corps in Morocco in 1981 and later moved to Washington. She has been married for 33 years.

Swanson said her experience at USAID convinced her that eliminating aid programs would put children’s lives at risk. She sharply criticized the cuts and argued that foreign assistance delivers significant benefits at a relatively low cost.

“I’d do it again,” she said, adding that she could not remain silent about what she believes is at stake.