Protestors rally against Judge Brett Kavanaugh

WASHINGTON- Protestors took their voices to the U.S. Supreme Court less than 24 hours after the White House sent the results of Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s F.B.I. investigation to the Senate.

Protestors gathered outside the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit at noon on Thursday, where organizers were handing out breakfast bars, water bottles and extra signs to make sure everybody was prepared.

“Some of the groups involved in organizing are the Women’s March, Demand Justice and Planned Parenthood,” said Anna Woodbury, a rally volunteer. “All of these groups have been concerned about Kavanaugh’s record since his nomination and they are here to make sure their senators don’t allow him a lifetime position on our highest court.”

After organizers gathered everyone, the rally began with a series of chants on the steps of the courthouse. Chants such as “Hey hey, ho ho, Kavanaugh has got to go,” gained the attention of bystanders who cheered on in support.

The rally started out peaceful with chants and instructions from organizers when a counter protestor held his “#MeTooFraud/Confirm Kavanaugh” sign in the middle of protestors chanting his own chants.

Protestors did not like the disturbance and began to surround the Kavanaugh supporter with “We believe Christine Ford” and “Kava-NOT” signs.

The Kavanaugh supporter did not back down as he dipped under the crowd moving to different areas and chanting “Confirm Kavanaugh” and “Don’t believe the lies.”

“I stand with Kavanaugh because all Democrats care about is abortion and this whole thing has been politicized from the day Kavanaugh was nominated and I will not stand for that,” Ben Bergquam, a Kavanaugh supporter said.

As Bergquam continued to make light of the situation by laughing and mocking sexual assault victims, tensions got underway with some pushing and shoving. U.S. Department of Homeland Security officers came to deescalate the situation and give Bergquam a warning.

Shortly after, organizers from the Women’s March organization with “Believe Women” shirts began leading protestors to the Supreme Court. During the march chants continued and so did Bergquam trying to prevent protestors from walking.

A police officer from Capitol Hill gave Bergquam another warning, instructing him that he must stay on the sidewalk next to protestors or his next warning would lead to dismissal or arrest.

Protestors continued in peace, trying not to give Bergquam their attention. Other protestors had a different take on the rally.

"I find it interesting black women once again are the ones putting their lives on the frontline by leading this protest and they are still being overshadowed,” Jillian Burford, a local resident, said. “Anita Hill said it years ago and history is repeating itself, but I am hoping there will be a different outcome for Ford.”

The march ended at the steps of the Supreme Court, where it turned into a speak out for sexual assault and rape survivors.

“This is the strongest sign we have sent to the Senate since January 2017 and we are just getting started,” Winnie Wong, senior advisor to the Women’s March, said.

The Senate will hold its procedural closure vote on Friday.

Protestors surround their “Kava-NOT” signs around counter protestor Ben Bergquam, (left) after a disruption during the rally. (Photo by Jaha Knight)