Democrats Stage House ’Sit-In’ Over Guns

Local Editor

The US House of Representatives descended into chaos Wednesday after Republicans refused demands by Democrats, who staged a "sit-in", to bring up gun control legislation in the wake of the nation's worst mass shooting in modern history.

Scores of Democrats flooded the chamber for more than 12 hours, sitting on the floor and chanting in a "sit-in" protest, taking over the House even as the Republican leadership shut off television cameras and microphones as they tried to force lawmakers back to order.

Democrats vowed to continue their protest until Republican leaders allowed a vote on gun control legislation after last week's mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, a move Republicans called a publicity stunt.

Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan refused Democrats' demands for action on gun control and instead forced a vote on unrelated bills even as raucous scenes spilled across the legislative chamber.

Several Republican representatives, including Louie Gohmert of Texas and Steve King of Iowa, charged the chamber floor and yelled at Democrats, prompting a tense confrontation that nearly descended into fisticuffs.

Republican Representative Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, a former professional mixed martial arts fighter, made his way through an aisle thick with members in an apparent attempt to ease tensions.

It was a new low for the House, which in recent years has become mired in partisanship and legislative deadlock.

"This is not a great moment for the House of Representatives," Brad Sherman, a California Democrat, said amid the melee. "Order has broken down because we have a speaker who has not allowed us to vote."

Ryan called for decorum but could scarcely be heard over Democrats chanting "no bill, no break!" and insisting that the chamber remain in session until Republicans allow a vote on gun control legislation.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team