US Rep. Joyce Beatty was among a group of protesters arrested Thursday (July 15) during a federal voting rights demonstration in Washington D.C.
The Ohio Democrat joined voting rights advocate and co-founder of Black Voters Matter LaTosha Brown and others outside a Senate office building for a “Call to Action Day,” and who were also detained by Capitol Police.
“Let the people vote. Fight for justice,” Beatty captioned a tweet with a photo of her being zip-tied by officers. According to a statement by the US Capitol Police, a total of nine people were arrested for “illegal demonstration” in a “prohibited area” at the Capitol.
Following her arrest, Beatty released a statement doubling down on her mission to fight for voting rights.
“I stand in solidarity with Black women and allies across the country in defense of our constitutional right to vote,” Beatty, who serves as the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said.
“We have come too far and fought too hard to see everything systematically dismantled and restricted by those who wish to silence us. Be assured that this is just the beginning.”
The group’s demonstration comes as two key pieces of legislation –– the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act –– remain stalled in Congress. States across the country are also pushing for legislation restricting access to the ballot, with low-income voters, and Black and Latino voters potentially being disproportionately impacted.
Texas Democrats fled to the nation’s capital this week to avoid a vote on the state’s voting restriction bills and urge Congress to implement voting rights protections for the upcoming midterm elections.
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.