Charleston, W.Va. (WOAY) – Protesters gathered Monday outside Senator Shelley Moore Capito’s Charleston office to deliver a symbolic casket, calling attention to what they describe as a deadly federal budget bill.
The demonstration was organized by the West Virginia Poor People’s Campaign and was part of a coordinated effort across multiple Southern states, tied to Bishop William Barber’s Moral Monday movement. Protesters say the recently passed reconciliation bill, referred to by critics as the “big beautiful bill,” will lead to widespread suffering by cutting Medicaid, SNAP, and other public assistance programs.
According to advocates, these cuts could result in tens of thousands of deaths, especially among low-income, elderly, and disabled residents. The casket was brought as a symbol of the lives at risk.
Protesters say they were told someone from Senator Capito’s staff would be available to receive their demands. When they arrived, the office was closed, and they were instructed to slide documents under the door.
Organizers are calling for the bill to be repealed and replaced with policies that protect vulnerable communities. Similar demonstrations took place in ten other states. Leaders say this marks the beginning of a renewed campaign focused on economic justice.
