US Protesters Swarm Capitol Hill Demanding More Impeachment Witnesses

Capitol Police said they arrested 41 demonstrators, charging most of them with crowding, obstructing or incommoding.

The demonstration involved groups such as Public Citizen, Women’s March, Center for Popular Democracy Action, Stand Up America, March for Truth, Demand Justice and the Poor People’s Campaign.

Protesters first met for a silent protest in the Hart Senate Building before moving to Capitol Building’s steps.

"The Republicans are rigging this trial and the one force that could actually change this equation is the power of the people coming out in the streets and demanding witnesses, demanding evidence and demanding conviction and removal," said Rafael Kadaris, a protester with RefuseFacism.org.

Need to Impeach, another group that participated in the protest, delivered certificates and presented trophies to the offices of all Senate Republicans for their "participation in covering up" Trump's actions.

"By not allowing witnesses and holding Trump accountable, they are breaking their oaths of office. They are betraying the American people and our constitution," said Nathaly Arriola, the group's executive director. "They are covering up for Donald Trump's crimes. Voters will not forget this in the months ahead", The Hill reported.

Similar protests were also planned for Wednesday in Anchorage, Alaska, Phoenix, Denver, Lexington, Ky., Portland, Maine, and Salt Lake City, organizers said.

The Senate is expected to vote Friday on whether to allow more witnesses and documents. If Republicans rebuff Democratic efforts to call witnesses like former national security adviser John Bolton, the Senate will likely proceed to a vote to convict or acquit.

Senate Republicans have become increasingly confident they will avoid a messy floor fight over witnesses and vote to acquit Trump.