Over 20 Democratic Representatives staged a sit-in on the floor of the House on Wednesday, demanding of the Republican leadership to allow a vote on gun control measures in the wake of the Orlando attack.

The sit in is being broadcast live via Periscope by lawmakers and their assistants after Republicans shut down cameras on the floor.

With official broadcasts suspended in the House, we’ve created a channel to follow #NoBillNoBreak on #Periscope live pic.twitter.com/1xM0QGqvzh — Periscope TV (@periscopetv) June 22, 2016

Over 40 House Democrats are taking part in the sit-in, led by John Lewis (D-Georgia).

From Newtown to Charleston... how long will it take for Congress to act? #NOMORESILENCE#goodtroublepic.twitter.com/uH4G5HCQc5 — John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) June 22, 2016

“After the worst mass shooting in modern history, it's time for Speaker Ryan to bring a bill to the Floor,” said Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland). “House Democrats will continue to demand: no bill, no break.”

The sit-in began shortly before noon, involving two dozen Representatives.

WATCH: Moment House Democrats declared they will #HoldTheFloor in protest of GOP inaction on gun control measures pic.twitter.com/T5FouUhLGU — RT America (@RT_America) June 22, 2016

Though the House went on recess at noon and the cameras were turned off, the Democrats said they would continue their protest until Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) allows a vote on the proposal to ban persons on the federal no-fly watch list from buying firearms.

As we started sit-in, GOP called recess & turned off cameras, but we're not moving #wheresthebill#nomoresilencepic.twitter.com/olcbB9x7x8 — Chellie Pingree (@chelliepingree) June 22, 2016

With the official cameras off, the protesting lawmakers turned to live-streaming the sit-in on Facebook. Eric Swallwell (D-California) posted a video of his colleague Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), speaking about the “absolutely horrific” epidemic of gun violence in Chicago.

“I am tired of seeing babies killed,” Duckworth said, pleading for outlawing “fully automatic assault rifles and high-capacity magazines.”

House rules prohibit streaming from inside the chambers, however, and the Sergeant-at-Arms has asked the lawmakers to stop, according to Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Kentucky).

House Dems unanimously motioned to suspend rules so that they could film on Periscope https://t.co/FNbhiBoy80pic.twitter.com/nkThkK1AZf — RT America (@RT_America) June 22, 2016

Senate Democrats also joined their colleagues on the House floor throughout the day, and showed their support by sending snacks. Though he is an independent, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders showed up on Wednesday afternoon as well.

Elizabeth Warren joins members of Mass. delegation for a House sit-in over gun control https://t.co/srTXIEvtSzpic.twitter.com/vXKnxu0VxD — The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) June 22, 2016

They turned off the cameras but can’t turn off our voices #NoFlyNoBuypic.twitter.com/poWCmKDST6 — Brendan Boyle (@RepBrendanBoyle) June 23, 2016

Ted Deutch (D-Florida) named every victim of the Orlando gay nightclub attack, as well as last year's terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California and the 2012 Sandy Hook elementary school shooting.

Meanwhile, other House Democrats held a press conference on the steps of the Capitol, explaining that they intend to block the floor until the GOP leadership agrees to vote on the gun control measures.

#NoBillNoBreak we must have a vote in the House on gun safety measures pic.twitter.com/J0FgRCWeCn — Sandy Levin (@repsandylevin) June 22, 2016

Four gun control proposals were put up for a vote in the Senate on Monday. All failed.

Around 1:30 p.m, a crowd gathered outside the Capitol building to show their support to the lawmakers.

Crowd gathering in front of Capitol for press conference with @NancyPelosi about sensible gun reform NOW! pic.twitter.com/wtWO7THji2 — CODEPINK (@codepink) June 22, 2016

Thank you John Lewis for leading on gun violence where we need it most. https://t.co/vctfqAH5Wt — President Obama (@POTUS) June 22, 2016

House Republicans chose to ignore the calls for action on gun legislation and instead pushed for their agenda with a healthcare bill to replace Obamacare.

Here it is: a real plan—in black and white—to repeal and replace #Obamacare. #BetterWaypic.twitter.com/YtlkLMb01g — Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) June 22, 2016

Legislators' family members also expressed their support for the sit in. Rep. Keith Ellison's mother told the Minnesota Democrat to join his colleagues calling to his office.

So I'm meeting with @keithellison. His scheduler walks in and hands him this note. Meeting ends :) #NoBillNoBreakpic.twitter.com/JwnusZKZuo — Trita Parsi (@tparsi) June 22, 2016

Rep. Ellison is an obedient son.

Sitting in on House Floor against Gun violence & Majority's unwillingness to protect Americans from slaughter. pic.twitter.com/SvZ5cV45nn — Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) June 22, 2016

After nearly eight hours of the sit-in protest, the leader of the demonstration, Lewis commended his Democratic colleagues.

"You're still standing," he said. "By sitting down, by sitting in, you're standing up."

"This may be the House of Representatives, but it is the house of the people," Lewis continued, adding that "they have sent us here" and that "we have an obligation to never give up, never give in."

Lewis then introduced House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-California), who seemed to be wrapping things up, offering the option for the Democrats to go back home. Without hesitation, chants broke out: "No bill! No break!"

Just after 8 p.m. local time, a congressional aide ran to Target to buy sleeping bags in case the sit-in turns into a sleep-in, a Democratic representative told NBC News’ Peter Alexander.

Spotted: food being taken into House Chamber during sit-in. pic.twitter.com/QmEguInOxh — CSPAN (@cspan) June 22, 2016

An hour and a half later, House Republicans announced their intent to reconvene at 10 p.m.

At least 129 members of Congress have participated in the sit-in.