Emotional demonstrations in opposition to and support of the Supreme Court’s landmark abortion ruling continued Saturday outside the court.
Demonstrators gathered to chant and hoist signs on the ruling Friday that is expected to fundamentally change life in the United States.
“I woke up in the middle of the night, angry. I saw my baby girl sleeping and I said, ‘What kind of world is she going to inherit?’” demonstrator Valerie Grossman said.
The scene outside the court was serene in the early hours, with a handful of protesters amid many barricades. More people arrived as the day went on. Photos show emotions running hot and demonstrators appearing to shout in each other’s faces.
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Supporters of the decision were shouted down, overwhelmed by those angered by it. Among those in the crowd was Carol Foulke, who was a social worker when Roe v. Wade became law.
She said she thought the day that it would be overturned would never come.
“I was hoping not, but after the business was leaked you knew it was over,” Foulke said.
But the battle for abortion rights supporters is not over for some, especially considering inklings of what could be ahead for the high court – decisions on contraception and same sex marriage.
Demonstrator Blythe Patton had advice that applies to people on both sides of the aisle.
“Vote. They need to vote up and down the ballot. They need to vote for city council. They need to vote for dog catcher,” Patton said.
D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department is on high alert and will be under a "full departmental activation" as demonstrations are expected, police and the District’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency said Friday.
“People should expect an increased, visible police presence throughout the city," police told News4.
U.S. Capitol Police said in a tweet that two people were arrested Saturday afternoon for destruction of property. They are accused of throwing paint over the fence by the U.S. Supreme Court.
"The USCP and our local partners worked together to bring in cooling buses & additional people to help demonstrators with heat issues. Roughly 12 people have been helped so far. Please stay hydrated and please stay safe," the department added.
A man demonstrating in support of abortion rights scaled D.C.’s Frederick Douglass Bridge on Friday and slept atop it. He was in police custody as of 2 p.m. Saturday and was being treated by medics. He came down on his own, officials said.
Stay with NBC Washington for more details on this developing story.
Correction (June 25, 2022 at 8:51 p.m. EST): This article has been corrected to reflect that Carol Foulke is the name of the former social worker interviewed for this piece.
