DeKalb County

Congressman Hank Johnson among several arrested at Washington D.C. protest rally

By WSBTV.com News Staff

Congressman Hank Johnson WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 13: Congressman elect Hank Johnson (D-GA) poses for a picture during a break in his orientation class on Capitol Hill November 13, 2006 in Washington DC. The 110th Congress will be sworn in January 2007 when Congress reconvenes. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images) (Mark Wilson)

By WSBTV.com News Staff

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Hank Johnson spent at least part of his day Thursday in a Washington D.C. holding facility after being taken into custody during a protest that started at the U.S. Supreme Court before making its way to the Hart Senate Office building several blocks away.

Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth District which includes DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale County was a part of a rally put on by Black Votes Matter. The protest rally was held to demand passage of the For The People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

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The event, according to organizers, brought together over 50 Black men, all advocates and activists from a wide variety of communities. They were there to show support for the voting measures.

Johnson was one of at least three Congressman listed as speakers for the event.

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Late Thursday afternoon, Johnson’s office released a statement about his participation and arrest Thursday morning.

“Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) was arrested along with a group of black male voting rights activists protesting against Senate inaction on voting rights legislation and filibuster reform,” said Johnson’s office. “It was also in response to voter suppression bills and laws throughout the county, including Georgia, that target students, the elderly and people of color. In the spirt of his dear friend and mentor – the late Congressman John Lewis – Rep. Johnson was getting in ‘good trouble’ fighting for and protecting civil and voting rights for all Americans.”

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Martin Luther King III calls for a new March on Washington Martin Luther King, III, son of the late Civil Rights leader is calling for a new March on Washington, this one for the voting rights. (WSB-TV)

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