Black Democrats Commandeer Speaker's Podium Demanding Action On Police Reform

Harrisburg
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HARRISBURG (Newsradio 1020 KDKA/AP) - Black Democrats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives have commandeered the podium at the start of a voting session, disrupting the day’s business to argue for action on police reform bill.

A “Black Lives Matter” banner was hung from the speaker’s dais Monday afternoon.

Rep. Malcom Kenyatta took the podium to ask for police reform.

Rep. Steven Kinsey said he’s “frustrated, upset and feeling as though I’m carrying the weight of black folks on my shoulders.”

Governor Tom Wolf said on Monday he supports the move. “I support what they’re doing,” said Wolf.

Local Rep. Summer Lee said on Twitter, “Today, we came to Harrisburg to demand (Rep. Mike Turzai, PA Speaker of the House) to move on our police accountability bills that have been sitting for one year,” said Lee. “At 1pm we took the speaker’s rostrum. We will not leave until we have action. If Black Lives Matter, then RUN MY BILLS! Protest Black Lives.”

Today, we came to Harrisburg to demand @RepTurzai to move on our police accountability bills that have been sitting for one year!At 1pm we took the Speaker's rostrum. We will not leave until we have action. If Black Lives Matter, then RUN MY BILLS! Protect Black lives. https://t.co/dhWI3uxpK1

— Summer Lee (@SummerForPA) June 8, 2020

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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