Feinstein clears protesters from Brennan hearing after repeated interruptions

By Carlo Muñoz - 02/07/13 04:21 PM ET

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was forced to clear the room during Thursday's confirmation hearing of CIA nominee John Brennan after protesters brought the proceedings to a halt.

Protesters from the organization Code Pink rushed the witness table at the beginning of the hearing as Brennan took his seat before the Senate panel.

After being warned by Feinstein against any further interruptions, the protesters continued to shout questions at Brennan about the U.S. armed drone program and his role in those efforts.

Holding homemade placards with the faces of those allegedly killed during those strikes, the protesters continued to shout insults at Brennan.

A Code Pink protester is removed from the

After interrupting Brennan's opening statement for the third time, Feinstein ordered the Capitol Police to escort the protesters and the rest of the gallery out of the hearing room.

Brennan is the nominee to replace former CIA chief David Petraeus.

Critics of Brennan's nomination claim his role in the drone program, enhanced interrogation techniques and other controversial counterterrorism tactics call into question his ability to lead the CIA.