House Democrats are staging a sit-down protest, seeking a vote on gun control measures following the Orlando nightclub shooting.
A group of about 30 Democrats led by Georgia Rep. John Lewis demanded a vote on gun control measures before sitting down and “occupying” the House floor Wednesday.
Rep. John Larson of Connecticut says lawmakers are “calling for the simple dignity of a vote” in the House on measures to block gun purchases by some suspected terrorists.
Larson says, “Rise up Democrats, rise up Americans. We will occupy this chamber.”
Minority Whip Steny Hoyer of Maryland says, “We will not be shut up. We will not be shut down.”
The House was not in session when the Democrats held the demonstration. Republican leaders ordered C-SPAN cameras turned off.