Sanders Supporters Walk Out Of Democratic Convention

PHILADELPHIA — A few dozen Bernie Sanders-supporting delegates walked out of the Democratic National Convention Tuesday shortly after the roll call vote that made Hillary Clinton officially the nominee.

They gathered by the media tents outside of the Wells Fargo Center, holding up Bernie signs, as well as Clinton signs written over to say “Rigged.” Most held peace signs in the air, though a few talked to the press. They said they were protesting a process they believed was not fair.

The protesters sang “This Land Is Your Land,” which was also used in a popular Sanders campaign ad during the primary season.

According to Justin Beth, a Sanders delegate from Maine, the walkout was organized across multiple state delegations and was coordinated through social media.

“We want our voices to be heard by the media. We’ve been told a lot about unifying the party and getting party unity and we wanted the chance to explain what we feel we need for party unity,” Beth said.

Sanders delegates were divided over where to go next.

“I’m not sure what they are going to accomplish out here,” said Laura Simon, a delegate from Sanders’ home state of Vermont who said she’d come to terms with Sanders’ loss.

But not everyone was ready to let go.

People just love him. He’s so honest and truthful and he tells it like it is and he doesn’t sugar coat it,” said Ohio delegate Randi Pokladnik, 61, as she fought back tears. “I’m sorry but there’s so many people who are not going to get behind her. Don’t portray this as they are all in unity. I’m not a Democrat anymore. I’m done and I’ve been a Democrat since I was 18.”

Pokladnik turned her ankle to show her tattoo. She has two. One of her husband. One of Sanders.

Inside the media tent the demonstrators sat silently on the floor. Many of them wore tape on their mouths bearing the words “silenced” or “silenced by the DNC.”

Shortly before 8 p.m. ET, one of the demonstrators announced to the group that that the Black Lives Matter movement needed them back in the convention hall. He suggested they disperse and head back into the Wells Fargo Center.

A number of cops were also present at the demonstration, both inside and outside the tent. There appeared to be no major conflicts between law enforcement and protestors.

This post has been updated.