Tears, Anger As Crowd Marches Against Kavanaugh In DC

WASHINGTON, DC -- It was an emotional scene on Capitol Hill Thursday as a crowd of people marched in protest against the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh for the U.S. Supreme Court. As they demonstrated, one of Kavanaugh's accusers was being grilled by the Senate at a nearby building.

They bore signs that read "Believe Women" and "KavaNAUGHT," and some were even "sobbing," according to a source who was present.

Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Kavanaugh of holding her down and attempting to rape her while drunk when she was 15, faced extensive questioning from a Republican-appointed lawyer during a hearing on Capitol Hill Thursday. Scores of women's groups have come out in support of Ford and sexual assault victims in general.

Kavanaugh protesters faced off with supporters outside during the hearing. Protesters even blocked the street as police circled the group, with cops taking them off in handcuffs.

And the arrests have begun. pic.twitter.com/0twrMJ88Rx
— Caroline Simon (@carolinesimon66) September 27, 2018

The hearings have ignited the #MeToo movement, which has been watching the hearings closely. CNN reported that Tarana Burke, founder of the movement, is in the room watching the hearing wearing a "Believe women" sticker.

Kavanaugh is scheduled to testify Thursday afternoon after Ford's testimony, where he will be grilled by Democrats on Ford's claims.

Many took to social media to praise Ford for her bravery in coming forward and facing questioning.

Brave Christine Blasey Ford ..... you are a shining example of courage and strength. It is heartbreaking to watch you have to relive this horrific moment in your life time and time again in front of the whole world. Thank you for speaking out. #WhyIDidntReport #MeToo
— Caitriona Balfe (@caitrionambalfe) September 27, 2018

I can’t put into words how furious I am watching the UNBELIEVABLY brave Dr Ford endure this whole ordeal, and as a survivor I have been tempted to turn off my TV? But God DAMN it if she has the courage to DO this? Then I WILL have the courage to be a witness to her truth #MeToo
— Donna Lynne Champlin (@DLChamplin) September 27, 2018

Whew.

I realized something today I'd never realized before.

I've written about my own #MeToo that happened when I was 14. For years after, I was terrified of flying.
— Diana Butler Bass (@dianabutlerbass) September 27, 2018

Most men will never understand what it feels like to be flooded with memories of the worst moments in your life, the moments you felt the most helpless and the most diminished as a human being, by simply following the news. #MeToo
— Elizabeth Tsurkov (@Elizrael) September 27, 2018

Photos special to Patch by C. O’Connell