Reverend Arrested In Budget Protest Shock
Rev. William Barber II, a prominent progressive Christian leader, was arrested at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda alongside other activists during a protest against a proposed Republican-led congressional budget. Barber, co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, along with Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove and Steve Swayne, gathered to pray in protest of cuts to essential federal welfare programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP. The trio began praying near a women’s suffrage monument, but after starting to pray aloud, they were surrounded by Capitol Police, who issued multiple warnings before detaining them for demonstrating in a restricted area.
The protestors argued that the proposed budget, which includes significant cuts to welfare programs, would harm vulnerable populations. They contended that such cuts could lead to preventable deaths caused by poverty and lack of healthcare. They stressed the moral responsibility of speaking out against policies that, in their view, prioritize tax breaks for the wealthy over the well-being of the most disadvantaged citizens.
In a statement following their release, Barber and Wilson-Hartgrove explained their actions, stating that, as Christian preachers, they felt compelled to intervene. They criticized the budget’s prioritization of the rich at the expense of the poor and noted the urgent need to call attention to the life-and-death consequences of these policy decisions. Despite their arrest, they expressed appreciation for the Capitol Police officers and clarified that their protest was not against the police but against the harmful policies being debated.
Barber, known for his leadership in the 2013 “Moral Monday” protests in North Carolina, has long been a strong advocate for progressive issues. In 2019, he led the Poor People’s Campaign’s “Moral Action Congress,” which brought together political leaders to address issues of poverty and social justice. Having retired from ministry in 2023 to focus more on activism, Barber has continued to challenge conservative policies, including on issues like abortion rights and economic inequality.
Through his activism, Barber has consistently used his Christian faith as a basis for advocating for social change, emphasizing how religious teachings can guide decisions that affect the most marginalized. In his retirement sermon, he reflected on his own health struggles, highlighting how God works through human weakness and encouraging others to see brokenness as part of a divine plan. His recent actions at the Capitol reflect his ongoing commitment to fight for justice and to challenge policies he believes are harmful to vulnerable populations.