Supreme Court

Demonstrators Flock to DC Amid Kavanaugh Confirmation Vote

Some protesters could be heard yelling "November is coming"

Demonstrators flocked to the nation's capital Saturday amid the Senate's highly anticipated confirmation vote on Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh, with 164 people being arrested for unlawful demonstrations.

Hundreds of people gathered in front of the Capitol and Supreme Court buildings to protest Kavanaugh's confirmation. Many pumped their fists and carried signs, including ones that read "Believe Women," "Believe Her" and "No!" Some protesters could be heard yelling "November is coming" and "Vote them out!"

A group of them climbed the Capitol steps, and some were led away by police. Officials confirmed that 150 people were arrested on the Rotunda Steps.

The Senate voted 50-48 to confirm Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. The judge was facing public allegations of sexual misconduct in the weeks before the vote, including an accusation by Christine Blasey Ford that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her at a party when they were teens.

Inside the Senate building, a group of protesters yelled from the galleries above the floor, interrupting Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn’s (R-Texas) speech. Sen Todd Young (R-Ind.) reminded those in the room that protests are against Senate rules. 

The shouts continued as the vote began, with people yelling from the galleries before Capitol Police removed them. Many yelled "I do not consent. One woman laid on the gallery steps and was lifted from the floor and carried out.

As Republican Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona voted yes, a male protester yelled, "You're a coward." Protesters chanted “shame” when West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, the only Democrat to support Kavanaugh, was voting.

At one point, Sen. Lindsey Graham laughed and shook his head.

One person was arrested in the galleries before the vote, and 13 were arrested after, police confirmed.

Demonstrators also showed up at the Capitol to support Kavanaugh's confirmation. President Donald Trump tweeted about them Saturday.

"Women for Kavanaugh, and many others who support this very good man, are gathering all over Capitol Hill in preparation for a 3-5 P.M. VOTE. It is a beautiful thing to see - and they are not paid professional protesters who are handed expensive signs. Big day for America!" he wrote.

Protesters have roamed Capitol Hill corridors and grounds daily over Kavanaugh's nomination and the allegations against him, raising anxieties and underscoring the passions the nomination fight has aroused. Hundreds filled the Senate building to support Ford and shared their own stories of sexual assault. Other anti-Kavanaugh demonstrators chanted on the lawn between the Capitol and the Supreme Court and yelled "We believe survivors."

Demonstrators turned out in other cities as well to call for the Senate not to confirm Kavanaugh.

A group of people stood outside Sen. Marco Rubio's office in Miami, holding signs and chanting "Hey. Hey. Ho. Ho. Kavanaugh has got to go."

Others gathered in Chicago and chanted "Women’s rights are not for sale. We won’t live the Handmaid’s Tale."

"We’re here today to say no, stop," one speaker said. "We need to stand together for women. We believe Ford. ... There is no way we can allow for the appointment of Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court Justice. People have the power to make change."

Social media video showed a group gathered outside Sen Jeff Flake's (R-Ariz.) office, carrying signs and chanting "Vote for Kavanaugh" and "We love Trump."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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