Congressional staff members staged a walkout Thursday in protest of the recent killings of black men by police officers, both of which did not result in grand jury indictments.
They were protesting the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., and Eric Garner in New York as racial tension builds across the nation.
{mosads}The walkout comes as both chambers attempt to pass a $1.1 trillion spending measure and avoid another government shutdown.
Predominantly African-American congressional staffers stood on the steps of the Capitol and made the “Hands up, don’t shoot” gesture that has come to symbolize opposition to the non-indictments.
The walkout was organized by members of several groups dedicated to organizing congressional staff who are members of minority communities, according to CNN.
The Daily Beast reported that organizers had originally considered staging a “die-in” in the Capitol Complex, but felt that might alienate some and make the event less inclusive.
The Garner and Brown decisions have also led to political action in Washington. The Justice Department is investigating both incidents, and President Obama is proposing funding for 50,000 new police body cameras.
Thousands of demonstrators led by civil rights activist Al Sharpton plan to descent on the Capitol Saturday to march against police violence.
Some in Congress have also called for broader reforms to the criminal justice system in the wake of the two shootings — as well as other killings of black Americans by police officers.