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Dem Rep From Ohio Arrested On Capitol Grounds For ‘Demonstrating in Prohibited Area’

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U.S. House Rep Joyce Beatty (D-OH) is the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. She was one of nine demonstrators arrested today during a voting rights protest on Capitol Hill at the Hart Senate Office building.

Capitol Police said the arrests were made for “demonstrating in a prohibited area on Capitol Grounds.” Police said officers responded to reports of an illegal demonstration at the atrium in the Hart Senate Office Building.

“After officers arrived on the scene, they warned the demonstrators three times to stop. Those who refused were arrested for D.C. Code §22-1307. Two males and seven females were transported to USCP Headquarters for processing,” police said.

A spokesperson for Beatty said:

“I stand in solidarity with Black women and allies across the country in defense of our constitutional right to vote. We have come too far and fought too hard to see everything systematically dismantled and restricted by those who wish to silence us. Be assured that this is just the beginning. This is Our Power, Our Message.”

Her office issued a press release that said:

“Today, U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Chair of the powerful Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), will join an all-star group of civil rights champions, advocates, and allies for “Speak Out: Call to Action Day on Capitol Hill.”

“The event is in response to numerous voter restriction laws being passed in states across the country, as well as Senate Republicans’ refusal to engage meaningfully in drafting federal legislation to ensure that every American has equal access and opportunity to vote. Immediately following the program, Beatty will march alongside attendees to the Hart Senate Office Building to demand change. In anticipation of taking the stage, Beatty said:

“Fifty-six years after the passage of the Voting Rights Act, Americans’ right to vote is still under attack as state legislatures work overtime to dilute our power.

“So, as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus—but more importantly as a Black woman—I join with the chorus of individuals demanding justice, change, and the guarantee that my vote counts just like everybody else’s vote counts. This is Our Power, Our Message.”

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