A number of House Democrats are protesting for votes on new gun control measures by sitting down on the floor of Congress.
Pictures from the House show fewer than a dozen lawmakers sitting on the floor in an act calling for new votes on gun control proposals. The sit down began around 11 a.m. on Wednesday as Rep. John Larson (D., Conn.) ironically called for Democrats to "rise up." Democrats say they will continue until Republicans meet their demands.
"We have turned deaf ears to the blood of the innocent and the deaths in our nation," Rep. John Lewis (D., Ga), who is participating in the sit down, said on the floor. "Mr. Speaker, where is the heart of this body. Where is our soul? How many more mothers, how many more fathers have to share tears of grief before we decide to do anything?"
However, since the Republicans control the House, it remains unlikely that the Democrats will get the votes they seek.
Additionally, Republicans have turned off the cameras in the House so the protest will not be broadcast live.
"The House cannot operate without members following the rules of the institution, so the House has recessed subject to the call of the chair," Speaker Paul Ryan (R., Wis.) spokesperson AshLee Strong said on Twitter.
Because of the lack of camera coverage Democrats have taken to tweeting out images of themselves sitting on the floor.
I'm on the House floor with @repjohnlewis & Dems staging a sit-in to demand action on commonsense gun legislation pic.twitter.com/byIivby5gG
— Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) June 22, 2016
This is what real leadership looks like. https://t.co/4Nh6QpqSxL
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) June 22, 2016
Via @RepKClark's office, photos of what’s transpiring on the House floor, with the Democratic-led sit-in. pic.twitter.com/qMHsftVOip
— Matt Viser (@mviser) June 22, 2016
Not going anywhere. #NOMORESILENCE #WheresTheBill pic.twitter.com/OAoVUNoqak
— ((David Cicilline)) (@RepCicilline) June 22, 2016
However, the Sergeant at Arms is now telling congressmen to stop taking selfies on the floor.
The Sgt at Arms is asking us to stop taking photos and video from House floor. Republicans should turn the cameras back on. #NoBillNoBreak
— Rep. John Yarmuth (@RepJohnYarmuth) June 22, 2016