November 16, 2023
Israeli-Hamas War Protests Turn Violent Outside DNC Headquarters
Some politicians had to be escorted to safety.
Law enforcement officers got into a violent scuffle with Israel-Hamas protestors outside the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee in Washington, D.C. Nov. 15.
Lawmakers had to be evacuated as police worked to push back 150 protestors who were on the property illegally. According to someone nearby, Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar, were inside during the clash.
In a statement posted on Twitter, U.S. Capitol Police said six officers were treated for injuries. “Tonight 6 officers were treated for injuries – ranging from minor cuts to being pepper sprayed to being punched,” the statement read. “One person has been arrested for assault on an officer. We appreciate our officers who kept these illegal & violent protesters back & protected everyone in the area.”
Other elected officials were evacuated, including Reps Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Sean Casten (D-IL). Casten remembered seeing protesters surrounding the building and blocking all exits and entrances. Sherman spoke about the scary experience on Twitter.
“Was just evacuated from the #DNC after pro-terrorist, anti-#Israel protestors grew violent, pepper spraying police officers and attempting to break into the building,” he said. “Thankful to the police officers who stopped them and for helping me and my colleagues get out safely.”
This protest is just the latest in raging Israeli-Hamas war demonstrations around the world. in early November 2023, organizers at a pro-Palestine rally addressed President Biden directly with chants saying, “Biden, Biden, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide” and “No ceasefire, no votes.” The division among the House Democratic Caucus has become more apparent as Democratic voters have voiced their disapproval over Biden’s handling of the crisis and his support of Israel.
Videos posted on Twitter showed more protestors shutting down the Bay Bridge in California on Nov. 16.
Cars weren’t able to get to San Francisco for hours as protesters were seen lying down with white sheets over their bodies that said, “Stop the genocide.”