Democrats end 25-hour plus protest to demand House gun votes

The Associated Press
June 23, 2016 at 8:40PM

WASHINGTON — House Democrats have ended their 25½-hour sit-in on the chamber's floor that they've been staging to demand votes on gun control.

With just a few interruptions, Democrats commanded the House floor since 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. The protest was broadcast live to the world over social media.

There are no indications that Republicans — who control the House — have met the Democrats' demands.

Democrats wanted votes on bills strengthening background checks and barring firearms sales to people on the government's no-fly list.

Still, Democrats are declaring victory anyway.

One of the protest leaders, civil rights veteran and Georgia lawmaker John Lewis of Georgia, says: "We are going to win this struggle."

Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-Conn.) speaks to Democratic supporters outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington early Thursday morning, June 23, 2016. A Democratic protest starting Wednesday demanded votes on gun-control legislation and led to pandemonium in the House chamber.
Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-Conn.) speaks to Democratic supporters outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington early Thursday morning, June 23, 2016. A Democratic protest starting Wednesday demanded votes on gun-control legislation and led to pandemonium in the House chamber. (New York Times/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
This photo provided by Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine shows Democrat members of Congress, including, front row, from left, Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., and Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., participate in sit-down protest seeking a vote on gun control measures, Wednesday, June 22, 2016, on the floor of the House on Capitol Hill in Washington.
This photo provided by Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine shows Democrat members of Congress, including, front row, from left, Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., and Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., participate in sit-down protest seeking a vote on gun control measures, Wednesday, June 22, 2016, on the floor of the House on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
This photo provided by Rep. Chillie Pingree,D-Maine, shows Democrat members of Congress, including Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., center, and Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-Conn. as they participate in sit-down protest seeking a a vote on gun control measures, Wednesday, June 22, 2016, on the floor of the House on Capitol Hill in Washington.
This photo provided by Rep. Chillie Pingree,D-Maine, shows Democrat members of Congress, including Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., center, and Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-Conn. as they participate in sit-down protest seeking a a vote on gun control measures, Wednesday, June 22, 2016, on the floor of the House on Capitol Hill in Washington. (Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writer

about the writer

ERICA WERNER

More from Minnesota Star Tribune

See More
card image
Provided/Sahan Journal

Family members and a lawyer say they have been blocked from access to the bedside of Bonfilia Sanchez Dominguez, while her husband was detained and shipped to Texas within 24 hours.

card image