In a rare move, Brennan’s confirmation hearing was temporarily called into recess following multiple interruptions by protesters drawing attention to his leading role in the drone war. Members of the group CODEPINK began standing up one by one to condemn the killings of U.S. citizens and civilians abroad until Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Dianne Feinstein brought the hearing to a halt. Eight CODEPINK protesters were arrested.

John Brennan: “A heartfelt thank you also goes to my family in New Jersey, especially my 91-year-old mother Dorothy, my 92-year-old father Owen, who emigrated from Ireland nearly 65 years ago.”

CODEPINK Protester: “178 children killed by drones in Pakistan. And Mr. Brennan, if you don’t know who they are, I have a list. I have a list with all the names and the ages.”

Sen. Dianne Feinstein: “All right, I’m going to — we’re going to halt the hearing. I’m going to ask that the room be cleared and that the CODEPINK associates not be permitted to come back in. Done this five times now, and five times are enough.”