As Republican state lawmakers in North Carolina discussed a package of legislation that would significantly weaken the incoming Democratic governor, several protesters were arrested at the state capitol building on Thursday.
Protesters gathered in the state House chamber, chanting at state lawmakers, “You work for us,” according to Raleigh television station WRAL. House Speaker Tim Moore (R) ordered the protesters removed from the House gallery but several refused, leading police to arrest at least 16 people, according to CBS News.
As those arrested left the state House, protesters shouted “Shame” and “This is what democracy looks like,” per CBS. A reporter for N.C. Policy Watch was among those arrested in the House gallery when police demanded that everyone leave, the News and Observer reported.
After wrapping up a special session to address disaster relief on Wednesday, Republican lawmakers in North Carolina called a surprise additional special session. They then proposed a series of legislation that would significantly curb the governor’s power. Republicans’ power grab comes after Gov. Pat McCrory (R) conceded the governor’s race to Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper after dragging the contest out for nearly a month past Election Day.
As Republicans debated the legislation, hundreds of protesters descended on the state Legislative Building on Thursday, CBS reported.
There were also disruptions in the state Senate, prompting Lt. Gov. Dan Forest (R) to clear the gallery overlooking the Senate floor.
Senate gallery cleared after crowd hisses (3rd interruption) during debate over elections changes. pic.twitter.com/AoMqKKZBw6
— Jon Camp (@JonCampABC11) December 15, 2016
Hundreds crowd 3rd floor of #ncga after getting ejected from House and Senate galleries for being disruptive during session. #abc11 #ncpol pic.twitter.com/aCVGpRejGB
— Jon Camp (@JonCampABC11) December 15, 2016
Protesting is fine, but these people need to vote.
Why assume they didn’t?
I didn’t say all of them or a larger percentage didn’t vote.
I will say that apathy is responsible for this crisis though.
Uhhhh They did …and elected a Democratic Governor
Then there’s this…
Court Rules That North Carolina Districts Are “Racially Gerrymandered” and Unconstitutional
These protesters do not look apathetic to me.