Photo: Andrew Solender/Axios
Demonstrators flocked to the Supreme Court on Friday after the ruling overturning the landmark abortion rights decision Roe v. Wade.
The big picture: Abortion rights supporters chanted, "Legal abortion on demand" and urged supporters to mobilize non-violently, while energized anti-abortion activists chanted, “We will abolish abortion" and some speakers led crowds in prayer.
Between the lines: There was a marked increase in law enforcement in anticipation of potential violence.
- A tall black fence was erected to keep protesters on the street and off the Supreme Court steps.
- Police barricaded entrances to the U.S. Capitol complex, with an unusually heavy Capitol Police presence.
What they’re saying: Lawmakers from both parties visited the protests, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.).
- Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.) said if Republicans win back House and Senate majorities in November, he hopes Congress can pass a federal abortion ban. “I believe we can pass it in the House next year. I think we’re going to win seats in the Senate this year, we’re going to win even more seats in the Senate in '24, and in '24 we’re going to get a president that will sign it.”
- “I’m horrified,” said Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.). “We will not go back. My children and grandchildren will not be treated as second-class citizens. So, we’ll make a change.”
- Ocasio-Cortez said the ruling also gives her concern that this court in the future could undermine protections for same-sex marriage. "I worry about the policing of sex acts in general.”