In the midst of Brett Kavanaugh's supreme court confirmation hearing in Oct. 2018, Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona made a scheduled appearance at an annual event in Boston. Sen. Flake was one of only a few republicans who expressed any ambivalence about confirming Kavanaugh to the court despite allegations of sexual misconduct. His vote, it was thought, could decide Kavanaugh's fate.
Students at Emerson College organized a rally to call for Sen. Flake to vote against Kavanaugh's confirmation, effectively denying his nomination. The rally drew attention from local and national figures. Ayanna Presley, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, along with the Emerson organizers spoke in front of a crowd outside the event.
Sen. Flake's appearance was dominated by the controversy. Recent images of Sen. Flake amidst the high profile hearings were projected. Protestors inside the event stood during Sen. Flake's appearance. They held signs bearing Dr. Blasey-Ford's name.