LGBT activists who were staging a 49-hour sit-in outside Senator Marco Rubio's office in Orlando, Florida, one hour for each of the victims of the Orlando massacre, were arrested last night after just a few hours of the planned protest.
The protesters were demanding that Rubio back gun control legislation, a national LGBT non-discrimination law, and immigration reform. Activists were using the hashtag #SitInForThe49 to draw attention to their cause.
RELATED: Protestors Stage 49 Hour Sit-In Outside Marco Rubio's Orlando Office, Demand Gun Control – PHOTOS, VIDEOS
The Orlando Political Observer reports:
Orlando police was called to the scene at 7pm, when the group consisting of dozens of activists were asked to leave the building. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer called Organize Now! Executive Director Stephanie Porta to plan a peaceful conclusion to the demonstration.
The majority of the sit-in participants spilled out into the main square in front of the downtown building and chanting “No Justice! No Peace!” and waiving signs to raise awareness for the cause. The ten people that stayed behind kneeled in front of the doors while Orlando Police zip-tied their hands and walked them out through the back entrance. The entire process between the two parties appeared to be peaceful and respectful.
The arrests were the end of long day for the activists in the lobby of the building where they recited the name of the victims and called out for action by lawmakers.
The Orlando Police said they made 10 arrests for trespass after warning, a misdemeanor.
Here are some video of the arrest and afterward:
It's 7:03pm. Sit-in continues after building closed. OPD says they will remove people… @WESH pic.twitter.com/LzlOnPol5l
— CHRIS HUSH (@ChrisHushNBC) July 11, 2016
At least 15 officers in place. Nearly 60 people continue sit-in on private property @ Rubio office in #Orlando @WESH pic.twitter.com/AR8UklX87G
— CHRIS HUSH (@ChrisHushNBC) July 11, 2016
Small amt of people just left #SitInForThe49 Many remain.They're singing inside building of @marcorubio office @WESH pic.twitter.com/atgQv7hyil
— CHRIS HUSH (@ChrisHushNBC) July 11, 2016
https://twitter.com/JRouRouRou/status/752619479134339072
Activists who agreed to leave are outside singing… #SitInForThe49 @WESH pic.twitter.com/4ga42AR42o
— CHRIS HUSH (@ChrisHushNBC) July 11, 2016
These activists are staying. @WESH pic.twitter.com/EbvbW1RQrj
— CHRIS HUSH (@ChrisHushNBC) July 11, 2016
#BREAKING @OrlandoPolice making arrests. Officer tells me he doesn't know how many…@WESH #SitInForThe49 pic.twitter.com/BUlv2QrAO9
— CHRIS HUSH (@ChrisHushNBC) July 11, 2016
There are several officers w/ long guns surrounding @marcorubio downtown #Orlando office as activists arrested @WESH pic.twitter.com/bV6LgzMC6n
— CHRIS HUSH (@ChrisHushNBC) July 11, 2016
Emotional activists after several arrested during sit-in at @marcorubio downtown #Orlando office. @WESH pic.twitter.com/qwOrCS9Pnx
— CHRIS HUSH (@ChrisHushNBC) July 11, 2016
