Demonstrators escort a casket to a Republican congressman's residence in a symbolic funeral march, as captured in a chaotic video recording
Protesters Stage "Death of Democracy" Funeral at Congressman's Home
In late July and early August 2025, more than two dozen protesters gathered at the private residence of Bryan Steil, the House Administration Committee Chairman, in Wisconsin. The demonstrators, dressed in black and carrying cowbells, delivered a cardboard coffin and flowers, symbolically mourning what they perceived as the "Death of Democracy."
The protesters, who were sponsored by groups including the Southern Wisconsin Grassroots Network and the Working Families Party, intended to leave promptly to avoid any police confrontation, as stated by one of the organisers in a video. Despite the incident, there is currently no public evidence that criminal charges have been filed against the protesters involved.
Congressman Steil, who oversees the Committee on House Administration, expressed his displeasure at the demonstration, describing it as trespassing. However, no official statement or report confirms that any arrests or formal charges have been made to date. The US Capitol Police and the Southern Wisconsin Grassroots Network did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
The demonstration came amidst increased threats to congressional members and their staff, with a 93.8% increase in threats reported to USCP compared to last year. In response, Congress recently authorised an increase in funding for the Member Security Allotment, from $10,000 to $20,000 for life, and an increase in the Monitoring and Maintenance Allotment from $150 to $5,000 per month for fiscal year 2025.
The Committee on House Administration is working with leadership on both sides of the aisle to address these threats. Meanwhile, the protesters are encouraging further action, with plans to protest at Steil's in-person town hall on Thursday.
The incident has sparked controversy, with some observers viewing it as a political statement, while others have criticised the protesters for trespassing. Notably, former Walworth County Democrat Party Chairwoman Ellen Holly was among the protesters identified in the video footage.
The protest also highlighted the ongoing political divide, with some arguing that Steil's vote could potentially result in 17 million Americans losing life-saving medical care. The exact nature of this vote and its implications are not detailed in the available information.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the ongoing political discourse and the safety of congressional members and their staff.
- The protesters, who were sponsored by groups like the Southern Wisconsin Grassroots Network and the Working Families Party, used media platforms to broadcast their intentions and actions, such as a video statement regarding their planned protest at Congressman Steil's town hall.
- The controversial protest, regarded by some as a political statement and criticized by others for trespassing, has been covered widely in general-news outlets, alongside discussions about crime-and-justice issues due to the escalating threats against congressional members and their staff.
