Anti-Trump protesters hold candlelight vigil by White House

Democratic lawmakers joined activists at a candlelight vigil in front of the White House Wednesday night to protest President Trump’s recent remarks about Russia and to show support for special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe.

“Welcome defenders of democracy; you are a beautiful sight!” said Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.) at the protest.

“Mr. President, why will you not protect our democracy,” he added.

The protest comes two days after President Trump refused to denounce Russian interference in the 2016 election during a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump’s remarks sparked backlash from both parties.

The event was one of around 200 protests in cities around the country organized by liberal groups. The registration website for the event reported 485 people signed up to rally in front of the White House at Lafayette Square.

Rio Tazewell, the Government by the People campaign manager with People for the American Way, said volunteers handed out over 500 candles to participants.

Speakers blasted Trump and congressional Republicans over a host of issues, including their handling of Russian interference and the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court.

Protesters chanted, “Hell naw Kavanaugh, Trump is not above the law!”

“Here’s the situation: the president is trying to print himself a get out of jail free card. Are we gonna let him have that card?” Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) asked the crowd. “Hell no, we’re not!”

Merkley was referring to a law review article Kavanaugh wrote that critics say suggests he doesn’t believe sitting presidents can be indicted. Kavanaugh’s supporters though say critics are misrepresenting the article.

Democratic lawmakers at the rally also urged participants to turn out in the November midterms.

“I see the gavel on the hill and we can get the gavel,” Sarbanes said. “Together we’re marching to get the gavel. We can do this. It’s your vote, it’s your voice, and in November, it will be your victory.”

Protesters chanted “Vote them out!” and “Lock him up!” during the rally. And the hashtag for the event #ConfrontCorruption trended at number one in the Washington area.

Proud to join the crowd tonight as we demand accountability of the Trump Administration. #ConfrontCorruption #DemandDemocracy pic.twitter.com/blhQZYwap5

— Richard Blumenthal (@SenBlumenthal) July 19, 2018

Tazewell said the main focus of the rally was to encourage Congress to protect Mueller’s probe into Russian interference, in particular through the bipartisan Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act, introduced by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).

“There clearly is something that that he’s looking into and we need to let him do his work,” Tazewell said.