News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A protester stormed the stage dressed in a Ku Klux Klan hood to hijack the swearing in of Donald Trump's new Attorney General over his views on race.

Senator Jeff Sessions was at the start of his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee when one activist started yelling: "Thank you so much for being here for the people."

The campaigner, wearing Klan robes and a novelty, oversized foam hand, is tackled by security but continues: "Wait a minute, you can't arrest me, I'm white."

As he is led from the room - packed with the press and media - he goes on: "White people don't get arrested. What is this craziness?

(Image: YouTube/ABC 7)

"I'm a white man, you can't take me out of here. White people own this country."

The footage from today's ceremony was tweeted by ABC7News .

Alabama senator Mr Sessions has a history of controversial positions on race, immigration and criminal justice reform.

(Image: YouTube/ABC 7)

A total of seven confirmation hearings for President-elect Trump 's cabinet are expected this week, including one for retired general John Kelly , Trump's pick for secretary of homeland security.

The Ku Klux Klan , commonly known as the KKK, is an extreme racist organisation that supports white supremacy in the United States.