Senate Democrats held a moment of silence in the Capitol Thursday, with several choosing to kneel to pay respects to the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Van Hollen, Heinrich, Kaine and Michael Bennet are kneeling during this moment,” New York Times reporter Emily Cochrane tweeted as Democrats gathered for a moment of silence to pay tribute to those protesting the death of George Floyd Thursday.
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Van Hollen, Heinrich, Kaine and Michael Bennet are kneeling during this moment. pic.twitter.com/uCzf6d3KR7
— Emily Cochrane (@ESCochrane) June 4, 2020
Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown joined Sens. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, Tim Kaine of Virginia, Michael Bennet of Colorado, and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico in their protest by kneeling to the ground.
Sherrod Brown has joined the kneelers. pic.twitter.com/iZAZyheaSv
— Emily Cochrane (@ESCochrane) June 4, 2020
The Democratic senators joined protesters across the country in taking a knee to show solidarity for the Black Lives Matter movement, which is well known for supporting former NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who knelt during the national anthem with the intention of drawing attention to police brutality in the United States.
Oakley Police Chief Eric Christiansen takes a knee with a group of protestors. pic.twitter.com/ETPCpeHdvu
— Jesús Cano (@Juice_Cano) June 1, 2020
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti took a knee as well when he joined a group of protesters in the street to show support for their message.
L.A. mayor Garcetti meets with protesters, takes a knee in prayer. @StephanieElam reports pic.twitter.com/qUdPyFdRBe
— The Lead CNN (@TheLeadCNN) June 2, 2020
Protests, riots, and looting have broken out across the country following the death of Floyd while he was in police custody for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill. A video showing a white police officer kneeling on Floyd’s throat for an extended period of time while onlookers begged him to stop has since gone viral, sparking the protests and riots.
That officer has been charged with second-degree murder, and three other officers involved have been charged with aiding and abetting murder.
