HAPPENING NOW: Thousands Of Protesters Storm Capitol Hill Demanding Republicans Act On Gun Safety
Earlier today, some seventy Democrats of both Houses of Congress declared a sit-in on floor of the House of Representatives, refusing to physically budge until gun reform legislation was brought to a vote. That protest has now gone its fifteenth hour – and the American people have shown up to express their support.
Thousands have gathered outside Capitol Hill to show their support and to protest the refusal of the Republicans to even consider any kind of reasonable, commonsense gun reform. The crowd has become the voice of the American people, literally screaming “DO YOUR JOB” at the GOP sellvote obstructionists who have thrown away their integrity and their honor in their haste to bend over backwards for their masters at the National Rifle Association.
It’s truly an epic sight to behold, and an uplifting show of the people’s power that may finally force the hand of spineless Speaker Ryan and the rest of his selfish allies. 92% of the American people agree with instituting universal background checks for firearm purchases. It is far past time we did something, anything at all, to try to stem the wanton loss of life that we are forced to endure from gun violence – and the people are showing that they stand with the Democratic Party against the traitors on the right.
Crowd is singing “We Shall Overcome” outside of #NoBillNoBreak sit-in pic.twitter.com/T93wrYMU1g
— Eric Conrad (@EricConradFL) June 23, 2016
Incredible crowd outside US Capitol to support @repjohnlewis @HouseDemocrats #GVP sit-in #NoBillNoBreak #DoYourJob pic.twitter.com/5z2QBP5sFy
— Vicka Chaplin (@vickachaplin) June 23, 2016
Crowd outside still chanting “No bill, no break” at nearly 1 a.m. pic.twitter.com/pHzedGbfMc
— Amelia Frappolli (@AmeliaFrappolli) June 23, 2016
.@RepEsty from Newtown CT says tomorrow lets make this crowd twice as big! Come on out, friends! #NoBillNoBreak pic.twitter.com/VSxZG0Q9wf
— Kristen (@kristenleemc) June 23, 2016
Got the chills hearing @RepJohnLewis speaking to a crowd of supporters gathered outside US Capital. He’s an inspiration! #NoBillNoBreak 1/2
— Gene Martin (@GeneMartin) June 23, 2016
Opinion columnist and former editor-in-chief of Occupy Democrats. He graduated from Bennington College with a Bachelor's degree in history and political science. He now focuses on advancing the cause of social justice and equality in America.