Dem Kicked Off House Floor for Hoodie

Trayvon Martin protest violated rule against hats, GOP chair argued
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 28, 2012 11:27 AM CDT

Illinois Democrat Bobby Rush threw off his suit coat on the House floor today, to reveal that he was wearing a hoodie underneath as a protest against Trayvon Martin's killing. But in the middle of Rush's impassioned plea, Republican presiding officer Gregg Harper interrupted, saying "members need to remove their hoods or leave the floor." He then had Rush thrown out, arguing that he had violated the chamber's rule against wearing hats, the Hill reports.

"Racial profiling has to stop," Rush declared. "Just because someone wears a hoodie does not make them a hoodlum." As he continued, Harper kept interrupting to say he was out of order, but Rush only grew louder, until finally the sergeant at arms escorted him out of the chamber. (More Bobby Rush stories.)

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