Chaos erupted outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters when pro-Palestine protesters barricaded the entrance in protest of the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas War. Social media videos showed police officers trying to hold back a swarm of people as protesters locked arms and shouted slogans like “Ceasefire Now” and “Not In Our Name”.
Additionally, the U.S. Capitol Police released a statement, warning the public to stay away from the area.
Capitol Police attacking pro Palestine protestors at DNC headquarters in DC pic.twitter.com/3XGK4JHBgJ
— HOT SPOT (@HotSpotHotSpot) November 16, 2023
Democratic California Rep. Brad Sherman, who was evacuated from inside the DNC building during the demonstration, noted that if the unrest continues in favor of Hamas, “these pro-Hamas demonstrators want [Republican]s to prevail in the next Congressional election.”
Despite the dangerous chaos, police officers with the U.S. Capitol and Metropolitan Police attempted to bring calm to the situation by using physical force to remove protesters from DNC headquarters and break-up the demonstration. California Rep. Maxine Waters declared her support for law and order, saying in an interview, “No one should be violent and contribute to the danger of these police officers. These men and women are trying to keep everyone safe. We ask that all protesters be peaceful and respect the rights of law enforcement.”
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A large group of violent anti-Israel protestors have stormed the headquarters of the DNC tonight, demanding "Cease Fire Now.”
Capitol Police said that about 150 people were “illegally and violently protesting” near the DNC headquarters building in the Capitol Hill… pic.twitter.com/pJvXsXTG6C
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) November 16, 2023
Pro-Palestine demonstrators have grown vocal in recent weeks in response to the Israel-Hamas War, calling for an immediate ceasefire and accusing Israel of genocide against the Palestinians. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released footage of the attack on October 7 in an effort to demonstrate the reality of what happened that day.
The protests have presented an interesting situation, with a chaotic and often violent demonstration concerning a conflict thousands of miles away occurring just steps from America’s most important political party. Despite the unrest, Metropolitan Police Officer Christopher Jablonski said in a statement, “We’re proud to serve and protect those who are here today, expressing their First Amendment Rights peacefully. We will continue to work with the demonstrators to ensure they are given the opportunity to make their voices heard.”