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VISTA, Calif. — About a dozen people took over a conference room inside Congressman Darrell Issa’s office Tuesday night in demand that he support tougher gun laws and background checks, topics scheduled to be debated Wednesday in Congress.

The uninvited guests were welcomed by Issa’s District Director Bill Christiansen, who listened carefully and answered questions from the demonstrators who took part in the brief sit-in.

Issa sent this statement to the demonstrators and media:

“I welcome all viewpoints and appreciate the opportunity to hear concerns from my constituents on important issues like these. Their visit today is apt considering that tomorrow we will vote on a comprehensive counter-terrorism bill which includes a measure that will keep guns out of the hands of terrorists, while also protecting law-abiding Americans’ second amendment rights. In a democratic process, we need everyone to reach out and express their concerns — today is no different.”

The demonstrators also held a rally in downtown Vista, where they held signs and chanted “no more silence, end gun violence.”