US: Protest in Washington, DC, against Supreme Court nomination Oct. 6 /update 2

Event

Thousands of protesters are rallying in Washington, DC, to denounce the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court on Saturday, October 6, over allegations that Kavanaugh had sexually assaulted multiple women in his youth. According to local sources, demonstrators have gathered in front of the Capitol building and in front of the Supreme Court. The final vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation will be held on Saturday afternoon (local time). Further demonstrations are likely should Kavanaugh be confirmed. Although the demonstrations are expected to remain non-violent, a heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near protest sites.

Context

Judge Brett 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. Kavanaugh has denied the allegations. Related protests demanding that lawmakers vote against his confirmation to the Supreme Court have been held across the US in recent weeks. 

Advice

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