ST. LOUIS — About 300 people gathered downtown Saturday to demand the resignation of U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, who in recent days has received more public blame than nearly any other politician for the violence at the U.S. Capitol.
The demonstration in St. Louis began at Kiener Plaza but soon moved onto Broadway and occupied the block in front of the Old Courthouse. Speakers criticized the Republican senator for objecting to the presidential certification process in Pennsylvania and other states. Organizers with the group Resist STL wrote "Resign Hawley" in large letters on Broadway.
"As a member of the Senate, it's unacceptable to foment sedition and be the first senator to do it," said Jordan Loeffelman, 30, a city resident who lives in the Dutchtown neighborhood. Despite the broad condemnation Hawley has received, Loeffelman was doubtful he will leave office. Several people said a photograph of Hawley with a raised fist particularly angered them. The photo showed Hawley raising his fist in support of nearby protesters at the Capitol on Wednesday. Many in the crowd later turned violent, vandalizing and ransacking government property and terrorizing lawmakers and staff. Five people, including a Capitol Police officer, died.
