Protesters Arrested At NC Capitol As GOPers Push To Curb Dem Guv’s Power

Protestors gather outside of a press conference room during a special session at the North Carolina Legislature in Raleigh, N.C., Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. Lawmakers finalized a $201 million hurricane and wildfire rel... Protestors gather outside of a press conference room during a special session at the North Carolina Legislature in Raleigh, N.C., Thursday, Dec. 15, 2016. Lawmakers finalized a $201 million hurricane and wildfire relief package Wednesday, sought by Gov. Pat McCrory in a special session he called. But they didn't go home as fellow Republicans then called their own session to weigh legislation, some of which could threaten the incoming Democratic governor. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome) MORE LESS
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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.

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