Rep. Bobby Rush Escorted From House Floor, Gets Support from Colleagues
Wednesday morning representative Bobby Rush (D-Ill) was escorted off the House floor after he wore a hooded sweatshirt in support of slain teenager Trayvon Martin, but he is being supported by other politicians for his actions.
"I applaud the young people, all across the land who are making a statement about hoodies, about the real hoodlums in this nation, specifically those who tread on our law wearing official or quasi-official cloaks," Rush said as the representative began his address on the House floor.
"Racial profiling has got to stop," he continued. "Just because someone wears a hoodie does not make them a hoodlum."
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As he was speaking Rush removed his suit jacket which had been hiding a grey hooded sweatshirt. He then proceeded to pull the hood over his head and put on sunglasses.
As he was speaking, Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), who was presiding over the floor while Rush was speaking, tried to stop the display as soon as it started.
Slamming his gavel several times while shouting over Rush to stop speaking while explaining that his words are not recognized and should be struck from the record.
Once the gavel sounded, Rush began to recite bible verses that highlighted the need for tolerance and understanding of our neighbors.
Rush was subsequently removed from the chamber and Harper defended his actions, citing the long-standing prohibition barring members from wearing hats on the House floor.
Rush's action however have drawn attention from representatives all over the country. Brooklyn Council member Letitia James was shocked that he was removed from the floor.
"It's a shame and it's outrageous that he was disciplined," James said. "And I will stand with him," according to WPIX.
She was not the only council member to support Rush's actions. New York City council member Melissa Mark-Viverito also expressed support for Rush.
"That's crazy." She said still coming to terms that he was removed from the floor. "He was sanctioned and escorted out?"
