Protests erupt outside the Supreme Court and Capitol ahead of Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation

The protests began early Saturday, hours before the final vote is set to take place.

Demonstrators congregated outside the steps of the Supreme Court and the US Capitol building. Several held signs depicting Ford, who says a drunken Kavanaugh assaulted her when they were teenagers.

Kavanaugh's expected confirmation comes after sexual-assault survivors across the nation came out swinging against the judge's nomination in light of the allegations against him.

Ford testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Sept. 27 about the alleged assault. Lawmakers across the aisle, as well as those in the right-wing media sphere, said she was a compelling and credible witness.

"Thousands and thousands of people who have had their lives dramatically altered by sexual violence have reached out to share their experience and have thanked me for coming forward," Ford said during the testimony.

Kavanaugh vigorously defended himself against the allegations from Ford and two other women in testimony that many saw as emotional, angry, partisan, and combative.

Kavanaugh "categorically and unequivocally" denied the allegations and said he was being targeted as part of a conspiracy by the Democrats and the Clintons.

During Saturday's protests, several demonstrators rushed past the barriers surrounding the Supreme Court.

Many were arrested.

Protests erupt outside the Supreme Court and Capitol ahead of Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation

Several protesters wore shirts that said "I am a survivor and I vote."

Others wrote "We will win" and "Shame on you" on their hands.

Kavanaugh's appointment is one of the most controversial in history.

Only 34% of Americans support his confirmation.

Source: NBC News

This is the first time since 2005 that a Supreme Court nominee has not had majority support among Americans, according to an NBC/Wall Street Journal poll.