Protesters Physically Block Betsy DeVos From Entering DC Middle School [Video]

WASHINGTON, DC — Newly anointed Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos was physically blocked by protesters when she tried to visit Jefferson Middle School in Southwest Washington, D.C., Friday morning.

DeVos was a controversial choice for the Cabinet post due to her opposition to public schooling in general and her push to privatize education, which resulted in an even split in Senate votes during her confirmation, requiring Vice President Mike Pence to break the tie. Her visit to Jefferson Middle School will be her first official visit in her capacity as secretary of Education.

Large crowds could be seen at the school as they awaited her visit at around 10 a.m., many holding signs criticizing her and demanding that she not defund or privatize schooling. Video posted on Twitter shows DeVos being blocked from entering the school and one protester shouting "Shame!" as she climbs into a black SUV.

WATCH: Sec. Betsy DeVos physically blocked by protesters from entering DC school--turned away and left.
Video: @SweeneyABC pic.twitter.com/RAycuKEVgm
— ABC 7 News - WJLA (@ABC7News) February 10, 2017

After Sec. @BetsyDeVos was shoved by protesters, stopped from entering a DC school, she got into her car to leave – this is what happened. pic.twitter.com/aLCF0mJngi
— FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) February 10, 2017

A crowd of protesters made up of parents and retired teachers began walking to the front door of Jefferson Middle School shortly after 9:30 a.m., according to one video posted on Twitter.

Betsy DeVos to arrive in less than 30 min. Parents and retired teachers now walking to front door of Jefferson Middle in SW, DC. @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/AaoK208R2Y
— Mikea Turner (@MikeaTurnerTV) February 10, 2017

Crowd grows at Jefferson Academy to welcome Sec DeVos. #NBC4DC pic.twitter.com/fMPqcn9B5U
— Tom Sherwood (@tomsherwood) February 10, 2017

Update 11:38 a.m.: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has weighed in, appearing to criticize the protesters' actions.

This bears repeating: Protest - peaceful protest - is fine but we do not condone violence towards anyone. (1/2)
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) February 10, 2017

DC has the fastest growing urban school district in America. We welcome @BetsyDeVos & anyone who wants to learn more about our schools.
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) February 10, 2017

Image via Keith A. Almli