Democrats end 25-hour gun control protest at US Congress

Sit-in: Democrats staged an extraordinary demonstration to demand a vote on gun control bills

Rex

23 June 2016

US Democrats have ended their sit-in protest over gun control at US Congress after they occupied the floor of the House for more than 24 hours.

Chaotic scenes emerged in the lower house today when Democrats staged an extraordinary demonstration to demand a vote on gun control bills.

The protest, which took place for 25 hours with only a few interruptions, was broadcast live to the world over social media.

It comes in the wake of the Orlando nightclub shootings - the worst terror attack in the US since 9/11.

Republicans, who control Congress, dismissed the sit-in as a "publicity stunt".

Some Democrats have declared victory as the protest came to an end but there were no indications the demands have been met by the Republicans.

Gun control bill sit-in

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Democrats wanted votes on bills strengthening background checks and barring gun sales to people listed on the US government’s no fly-list.

Civil rights veteran and Georgia lawmaker John Lewis of Georgia, said: "We are going to win this struggle."

Earlier today, Republican Speaker Paul Ryan tried to regain control of the house but was met with chants of “no bill, no break”.

As the sit-in entered its 10th hour, Democrats began camping on the floor with sleeping bags, pillows, blankets and ate doughnuts that were shipped in.

When Mr Ryan stepped to the podium to take back control and hold votes on routine business, angry Democrats shouted and waved pieces of paper with the names of gun victims.

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Democrats end 25-hour gun control protest at US Congress

Gun control bill sit-in

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