Protesters disrupt state lawmakers in Jefferson City

Demonstrators have temporarily disrupted proceedings on the floor of the Missouri Senate on the first day of the 2015 legislative session Wednesday.

Protests started outside on the front steps of the state capitol in Jefferson City around noon on Wednesday.

Then dozens of protesters unveiled banners and led chants from the visitors’ gallery of the Missouri Senate shortly after it convened. Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder said they were violating Senate decorum rules and ordered the chamber’s proceedings suspended while police cleared the protesters. The session resumed within 30 minutes.

Protesters chanted phrases such as “Hands up, don’t shoot,” ”No justice, no peace” and “Black lives matter” – several of the common rallying cries of demonstrators after a white Ferguson police officer fatally shot the back 18-year-old in August.

At least 100 people also filled the hallways. So far, ABC 17 News has not confirmed any arrests.

Stay with abc17news.com for more updates on this developing situation.