Ohio Representative Joyce Beatty was arrested for “demonstrating in a prohibited area on Capitol Grounds” after leading protesters into the Senate Office Building.

On Thursday afternoon, pro-voting rights demonstrators stood their ground in The Capitol after Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, who is the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, led 12 protesters into the Hart Senate Office Building atrium.

While chanting “end the filibuster” and “fight for justice” alongside other protesters, Beatty was approached by Capitol Police and had her hands zip-tied behind her back.

Following the demonstration at the Capitol Building, the police confirmed that nine people were arrested for “demonstrating in a prohibited area on Capitol Grounds.”

Unfazed by the arrest, however, Beatty vowed not to back down as she said this demonstration was “just the beginning.”

In an official statement shared on her Twitter account, the Ohio Rep wrote:

“I stand in solidarity with Black women and allies across the country in defense of our constitutional right to vote.

“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. This is our Power, our message.”

As Beatty’s office confirmed in a statement prior to the protest, the congresswoman decided to act in response to new laws surrounding voting rights around the nation.

“Fifty-six years after the passage of the Voting Rights Act, Americans’ right to vote is still under attack as state legislatures work overtime to dilute our power,” Beatty said.

“So, as chair of the Congressional Black Caucus – but more importantly as a Black woman – I join with the chorus of individuals demanding justice, change, and the guarantee that my vote counts just like everybody else’s vote counts.”

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