Ohio Congresswoman’s Protest In U.S. Capitol Ends In Arrest

WASHINGTON, DC — Joyce Beatty, a Democratic congresswoman for Ohio’s 3rd District, was arrested Thursday after she joined several others inside the U.S. Capitol to protest for voting rights.

“You can arrest me. You can’t stop me. You can’t silence me,” Beatty tweeted following her arrest.

In a statement, U.S. Capitol police said nine people were arrested around 3:30 p.m. Thursday for demonstrating in a prohibited area on Capitol grounds. Police confronted the protesters in the atrium of the Hart Senate Office Building and gave them three warnings to stop before making arrests, police said.

Beatty, who serves as chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, was demonstrating with other activists in support of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the For the People Act in Congress, both of which aim to protect and expand access to voting, The New York Times reported.

The two bills have languished in Congress as Republican state legislatures across the country have rushed to pass laws that restrict voting rights.

In a statement titled, “Getting in Good Trouble,” Beatty remained unapologetic following her arrest.

“I stand in solidarity with Black women and allies across the country in defense of our constitutional right to vote,” the statement read. “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.”