Congressman Jamaal Bowman Arrested By Capitol Police

NEW YORK — Rep. Jamaal Bowman was arrested Thursday during a voting rights protest at the US Capitol, a spokesperson for his office said in a statement.

"Today, Congressman Jamaal Bowman joined a voting rights non-violent direct action at the North Barricade of the US Capitol Building and was arrested by the US Capitol Police," Bowman spokesperson Marcus Frias said in a statement released this afternoon. "We will provide more information and updates as we gather them."

Bowman represents parts of the Bronx and Southern Westchester, including Yonkers, Mount Vernon and New Rochelle.

U.S. Capitol Police said a total of 27 people, including Bowman, were arrested for nonviolent offenses during the protest.

"Just before 12:00 pm, demonstrators started blocking one side of the North Barricade outside the U.S. Capitol," police said in a statement posted to social media shortly before noon. "We have already issued them three warnings. The demonstrators refused to move out of the driveway, so we are making arrests."

Bowman's office released video of the congressman being handcuffed and taken into custody this afternoon in a Facebook post.

"Activists, peaceful protestors, and progressive leaders have rooted themselves on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, hunger striking in a display of civil disobedience," Bowman's representatives wrote in the post on his account. "And just a few moments ago, Jamaal was arrested while protesting in support of our voting rights, alongside twenty other faith leaders and youth protesters."

The demonstration took place less than 24 hours after Democrats lost a vote to waive Senate filibuster rules to pass comprehensive voting rights legislation.