Environmental protesters glued themselves to tunnels under the U.S. Capitol building in an attempt to gain attention from lawmakers in hopes they would declare a climate emergency.
The group, from Extinction Rebellion Washington D.C., wrote on Twitter they superglued themselves under the Capitol “because what other choice do we have when our politicians choose money over life?”
“We’re protesting because Congress isn’t taking the climate crisis seriously, so we feel like we need to shut it down,” a protester said on a video the group posted to its Twitter page. “It’s the only way we can get them to pay attention.”
The protesters were draped with caution tape and joined hands. Several wore signs that said, “Declare climate emergency.”
“Sorry for the inconvenience, but we’re not going back to business as usual until we declare a #ClimateEmergency and get #ClimateJustice for everyone, everywhere,” another post said on Twitter.
Protesters chanted “This entryway is closed,” as U.S. Capitol Police led legislators through a doorway in the Rayburn tunnel to vote, Fox News reported.
U.S. Capitol Police gave the “all clear” at about 8:30 p.m. Police removed the protesters’ hands from doors and walls and arrested at least nine people. They were charged with Crowding, Obstructing, or Incommoding, and Resisting Arrest. Seven of those were also charged with Defacing public property, according to tweets from Fox News reporter Chad Pergram.
“US Capitol Police are giving us the all-clear after the environmental protesters appeared to “superglue” themselves to doorways near the Rayburn tunnel. USCP remove their hands from doors/walls & make arrests,” he wrote on Twitter.
“USCP arrest 9 people after they “glued” themselves to to walls/doors near Cannon Tunnel. Charged with §22-1307 – Crowding, Obstructing, or Incommoding. Eight of these individuals were also charged with DC Code 22-3312.01, Defacing Public Property,” he added.
Extinction Rebellion is a U.K.-based environmental group. The main Twitter page describes itself as “Non-violent direct action & civil disobedience for action on the #MassExtinction.”
The Washington, D.C. faction wrote on its Twitter bio, “We are in a period of abrupt #ClimateBreakdown. Join the #ExtinctionRebellion.”
Here’s what you need to know:
Extinction Rebellion Documented The Protest on Social Media
Extinction Rebellion shared photos and videos of the protest on its Twitter page.
“Hey officers, whose side are you on?” one post asked rhetorically, alongside photos of the protesters and officers.
Hey officers, whose side are you on?
#ClimateJustice #ClimateEmergency #ClimateActionNow #GreenNewDeal
“What do we want?” the group wrote on Twitter.
“For Congress to declare a #ClimateEmergency”
“When do we want it? #ClimateActionNow”
The group shared a brief video of police standing guard, claiming officers were using “excessive force.”
Peaceful protesters in the Cannon House Office Building met with excessive police force as they work to have Congress declare a #ClimateEmergency ✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿
The group shared photos of protesters with signs that said, “Declare Disaster Emergency.”
“Sorry for the inconvenience, but we’re not going back to business as usual until we declare a #ClimateEmergency and get #ClimateJustice for everyone, everywhere,” the group wrote on Twitter.
Sorry for the inconvenience, but we’re not going back to business as usual until we declare a #ClimateEmergency and get #ClimateJustice for everyone, everywhere 🌱✊🏾🌊
“Our activists are still glued to the tunnel entrance. members of the House are going outside. Let’s tell em’ – Declare Climate Emergency NOW!” the group wrote on Twitter, along with a video of hands on glass doors.
Our activists are still glued to the tunnel entrance. members of the House are going outside. Let’s tell em’ – Declare Climate Emergency NOW! #ClimateEmergency #TellTheTruth #ActNow #RebelForLife #ExtinctionRebellion @ExtinctionRebel
The group also shared a live video of the protest.
“13 peaceful activists have been arrested so far. Their demands are simple – declare climate emergency,” the group wrote on Twitter.
13 peaceful activists have been arrested so far. Their demands are simple – declare climate emergency. #ClimateEmergency #TellTheTruth #ActNow #RebelForLife #ExtinctionRebellion @ExtinctionRebel
“Activists have superglued themselves to the tunnel connecting the House to the Capitol because Congress needs to wake up and stop ignoring the climate crisis. @FrankPallone and @SpeakerPelosi – declare climate emergency now!” the group wrote on Twitter.
Activists have superglued themselves to the tunnel connecting the House to the Capitol because Congress needs to wake up and stop ignoring the climate crisis. @FrankPallone and @SpeakerPelosi – declare climate emergency now! #ClimateEmergency #ActNow #RebelForLife @ExtinctionR
Extinction Rebellion Shared A 21-Minute Video of the Protest
Extinction Rebellion shared a 21-minute video of its protest, which showed members of the group blocking doorways under the U.S. Capitol. They explained they were superglued and could not let anyone through. Several people asked what they were doing and why.
“We’re protesting because Congress isn’t taking the climate crisis seriously, so we feel like we need to shut it down,” a protester said on the video. “It’s the only way we can get them to pay attention.”
At least nine people were arrested.