Pence and his security detail had been exiting toward the front steps of the Senate when he appeared to stop for a second as the crowd stationed in the plaza outside the Capitol chanted "Shame! Shame! Shame!"
Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Jim Morehand reportedly told Pence he could exit through a back entrance if he wanted to escape the protesters. As Pence’s security detail told him about the updated exit plan, the vice president stopped and told his handlers, "Let’s do it."
The doors opened to the mob of protesters while Pence walked toward his motorcade, waving to the crowd on the way down the steps. Many of the protesters wore black, carried signs with profane language, and disparaged Kavanaugh and President Trump while the Senate voted to confirm Kavanaugh.