Rev. Barber Arrested for Praying in Capitol Against GOP Budget Bill
Civil rights leader and two others charged after group prayer in Rotunda
Reverend William Barber II and two associates were arrested by U.S. Capitol Police on April 28, 2025, for praying aloud in the Capitol Rotunda against the Republican budget proposal. Capitol Police confirmed the arrests occurred after the group received multiple warnings to cease what authorities classified as a demonstration. The individuals were charged with violating a District of Columbia law against "crowding, obstructing, or incommoding," which carries a maximum fine of $500.
The prayer event was organized as part of a "Moral Monday" gathering by Barber's social justice organization, Repairers of the Breach. During the 15-minute prayer session, Barber and fellow clergy members Reverend Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove and Steve Swayne specifically addressed concerns about the Republican budget bill, which they characterized as cutting funding for essential programs while providing tax benefits to wealthy Americans. The group prayer included statements opposing what they termed a "conspiracy of cruelty" in the proposed legislation.
KEY POINTS
- •Barber arrested for Capitol prayer protest
- •Prayer targeted Republican budget bill
- •Police cited DC law against demonstrations
Capitol Police defended their actions by stating that demonstrations "in any form" are prohibited inside Congressional buildings, including group praying, singing, and chanting. According to police statements, the group began praying quietly but then transitioned to praying aloud, at which point officers issued warnings. When Barber and two others continued, they were arrested while other participants and members of the press were ordered to leave the Rotunda, which was briefly restricted during the arrests.
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