Washington, D.C. — As the Senate's impeachment trial into President Trump continues and as the new battle in the upper chamber shifts on if more witnesses should appear, more pro-impeachment protesters are turning out inside the nation's capital.
Despite it being on a workday, around 500 protesters showed up inside the Hart Senate Office building and at the Capitol building to demand the Senate allow more witnesses to testify at the trial. Protesters chanted not having additional witnesses would equate to a "cover-up."
BREAKING: A massive crowd has filled the Hart Senate Atrium to demand witnesses, documents, and justice in the Senate removal trial of Donald Trump
— Remove Trump #SwarmTheSenate (@Remove_TrumpNow) January 29, 2020
Police have banned us from having the silent formations we have had for three weeks, so we have adapted: we are silently swarming pic.twitter.com/JItscNrHOv
"We want witnesses, NO MORE COVER UP!"
— By the People ?????? #RemoveTrump (@by_the_ppl) January 29, 2020
There are thousands making there way over to #SwarmTheCapitol.
Thanks to @Remove_TrumpNow @CPDAction @MoveOn @Public_Citizen @womensmarch and others for making this happen! #WeWantWitnesses pic.twitter.com/w1uK1nwEkh
The view from up top before the cops declared an unlawful assembly. Might be the first time I’ve seen an impeachment-related protest fill the whole approach to the Capitol’s east lawn. Though only a few dozen are risking arrest, the rest backed off.#SwarmTheCapitol pic.twitter.com/hhwGusHkD5
— Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) January 29, 2020
Protesters made their way to the steps of the Capitol building and unfurled a giant banner that featured the wording for Article II, Section 4 of the Constitution, which states the president can be impeached and removed for treason, bribery, high crimes, and misdemeanors.
Pro-impeachment protesters unfurl a giant banner on the steps of the Capitol building. pic.twitter.com/o1z8Tvah8X
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) January 29, 2020
Capitol Police moved most of the protesters away from the steps for protesting without a permit. Those that stayed behind were arrested one by one and escorted off the steps.
Pro-impeachment protesters are upset they can't stand on the steps of the Capitol building to protest, saying it's "fascism unfolding in front of our eyes." pic.twitter.com/mZ7MGutjKJ
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) January 29, 2020
From today’s protest in DC. #WeWantWitnesses.
— Remove Trump #SwarmTheSenate (@Remove_TrumpNow) January 29, 2020
Don’t let up. Keep pressuring the Senate to grant their constituents a fair trial. pic.twitter.com/9yflbuZKbc
The number of protesters has dramatically increased from the beginning of the month, where they only numbered at a few dozen.
Since the "Remove Trump" group has been on Capitol Hill every day, one would wonder if they have jobs. A group's spokesperson said some people do take time off of work and away from their families to come at noon.
"Our country is in danger. You have to make a choice to go away from your families, and friends, and your work and sacrifice your life for the good of the nation," Myra Slotnick said.