Bobby Rush Escorted From House Wearing Hoodie (VIDEO)
Bobby Rush, a representative of Illinois, was escorted from the floor of the House of Representatives Wednesday after wearing a hooded sweatshirt in honor of Trayvon Martin.
The Democratic representative violated the dress code in protesting last month's shooting of the unarmed Florida teenager.
Rush began speaking about the murder trial and racial profiling while wearing the sweatshirt as well as dark sunglasses, saying, "Just because someone wears a hood, [it] does not make them a hoodlum."
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The Representative then began reciting Bible verses, prompting the House speaker to interrupt Rush's speech as "out of order" and that he was "no longer recognized."
Rep. Gregg Harper, acting as Speaker, declared that wearing a "hoodie" infringed the House rule that prohibits wearing a hat on the floor during sessions. Rush stopped speaking after a member of the House security staff approached.
After Rush left the floor, the Speaker reminded members of Clause 5 of rule 17 on the House decorum of no hats.
"The donning of a hood is not consistent with this rule," said the House Speaker.
The case surrounding Trayvon Martin has caught the nation's attention as the FBI and the Florida Department of Justice Department investigate the killing of the teen.
Martin, who was wearing a hoodie at the time he was shot in Sanford, Florida, was shot and killed by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman on February 26.
The Sanford Police Department initially accused Zimmerman of manslaughter, but was told by the state attorney that there was not enough evidence.
Zimmerman has admitted the shooting, but remains free after telling authorities that he was forced to shoot Martin in self-defense.
The case has become a talking point with Democratic lawmakers, including Rush.
On Twitter, users are responding to the actions of Rep. Rush, with Rep. Bobby Rush becoming a trending topic on the social media site Wednesday.
Rayshawn wrote, "Bobby Rush is wearing a hood and a pair of glasses LET HIM SPEAK! LET HIM SPEAK!"
"Rep. Bobby Rush dons a hood on the House Floor. Love it," posted Sharon.
