US: Mass arrests during Supreme Court protest in DC October 4 /update 1

Event

More than 300 of the demonstrators who had marched in the capital Washington, DC, on Thursday, October 4, to protest the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court have been arrested. A related protest was held in New York City outside of Trump Tower.

Despite allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, the Senate is expected to hold a procedural vote on the nomination on Friday and a confirmation is possible as soon as Saturday. Further protests are thus likely in the coming days in DC, notably in the Capitol Hill area where the Supreme Court and Congress buildings are located, as well as in other cities across the country. A heightened security presence and traffic disruptions are to be anticipated in the vicinity of any demonstrations.

Context

Kavanaugh, nominated to the US Supreme Court by President Donald Trump in July following the retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy, has been accused of sexually assaulting multiple women in the 1980s during his high school and college years. Democrats and women’s groups, among others, have criticized the Senate leadership for not properly investigating the accusations.

Advice

Individuals in the US are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.