Capitol Police arrested 54 members of the Sunrise Movement on Thursday after the youth climate activists staged a sit-in inside Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's Washington office.

The protesters, part of a group that drew several hundred participants from across the country, demanded that Senate Democrats prioritize ending the filibuster and take stronger steps against climate change when Congress reconvenes in January. Signs carried by demonstrators, including some children, read "The filibuster kills," "Stop the climate crisis," and "Schumer: Step up or step aside."

According to the Sunrise Movement, the action targeted Schumer as Senate Democrats prepare to select new leadership. The group delivered letters to Schumer's office and those of other Senate Democrats urging change after what the activists described as a decade of his leadership.

The sit-in occurred amid broader discussions within the Democratic caucus over future direction following recent elections. Organizers have indicated additional protests targeting Senate Democrats are planned in the coming weeks.

The Sunrise Movement is fundraising $24,000 through its Instagram account to cover bail and potential legal costs for those arrested. Schumer's office has not issued a public statement on the incident.

The arrests highlight ongoing tensions between established Democratic leadership and activist groups pushing aggressive policy shifts on environmental and procedural issues.