Unemployed Protesters Invade Washington, D.C. to 'Take Back the Capitol'

Thousands of unemployed protesters staged sit-ins in the offices of congressional lawmakers on Tuesday to demand that elected officials listen to the plight of jobless Americans, a demonstration the movement is extending on Wednesday and Thursday as protesters demand that Congress pay head to the needs of their constituents instead of special interest groups.

While the Take Back the Capitol demonstrations actually began on Monday -- as part of a four-day effort by the self-proclaimed 99 percent to converge on Washington, DC and demonstrate democracy in action by the people, for the people -- the protests gained nationwide media attention on Tuesday when participants formed groups and swarmed multiple congressional offices.

"For four days we'll hold spirited but peaceful actions, speak-outs, and protests-from the halls of the Capitol to the offices on K Street-as well as spend time together learning and sharing stories, ideas, and inspiration," states the event's Web site, which also says demonstrators hope to "shine a light on corporate greed and the human suffering it has caused."

On Thursday, Take Back the Capitol is organizing a final day of events featuring multiple speeches across the Capitol, a national prayer vigil with unemployed Americans and faith leaders as well as a mass march on vital congressional leaders.