A group of thousands of protesters turned against the California Democratic Convention on Saturday, calling on party leaders to demand a cease-fire in Gaza as they blocked a Sacramento street, disrupting proceedings, and causing officials to cancel events planned for Saturday.
The protest began when several hundred people staged a sit-in inside the Safe Credit Union Convention Center building, and quickly expanded as about 2,500 others swarmed the area, according to local CBS affiliates.
Security locked the entrance to the building in the middle of the party convention, chanting slogans like “Stop the guns now, Stop the guns now,” The Los Angeles Times reported.
At one point, protesters reportedly disrupted interviews with Representatives Katie Porter and Adam Schiff and tech teacher Lexi Reese, all three vying for a Golden State Senate seat.
Rep. Barbara Lee, who has advocated for a cease-fire, was spared the booing while on stage at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento.
In response to the chaos, officials canceled several meetings and parties planned for the afternoon “for the safety and security of our convention delegates and attendees,” the Times said.
Pro-Palestinian protesters show support for Palestine during a protest at Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 in Sacramento.ZUMAPRESS.com Pro-Palestinian protesters carry signs and change clothes as they disrupt the California Democratic Party’s November 2023 Endorsement Convention. ZUMAPRESS.com
Some protesters directed their anger at President Joe Biden, calling him “Genocide Joe” and saying that “bombing hospitals and children is a crime,” according to the report.
The demonstration had started a few blocks away and some attendees were upset that protesters were able to storm the building without registering.
It mirrored a similar phenomenon at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, DC last Wednesday where protesters clashed with Capitol Police.
The protesters also demanded a ceasefire in Israel’s war against Hamas and their protests prompted Upper House Democrats to flee the scene.
Barbara Lee has supported calls for a ceasefire in Israel.AP
The ordeal reflects growing divisions within the party over the war in Israel that began with a bloody Hamas attack on October 7.
At least 1,200 Israelis have been killed, according to the country’s latest revised numbers. More than 11,500 Palestinians are estimated to have been killed, according to Gaza’s Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health, which has faced concerns about reliability.
Amid the fierce war, there are reports suggesting Hamas and Israel are nearing a hostage deal, but nothing appears to be finalized yet.
Despite the upheaval in Sacramento, California Democrats made it through their confirmation process for the Senate.
Adam Schiff, once seen as a contender for the top House Democratic leadership post is vying for a prized California Senate seat.AP
In the end no one crossed the 60% threshold needed to lock in the coveted support.
Lee rose the strongest with 41.47% support, followed by Schiff at 40.18%, Porter at 16.06%, and Reese at 0.13%.
The California Senate primary will be one of the costliest battles for an upper house seat of the 2024 election cycle.
The four Democrats are running to claim the seat of former Senator Diane Feinstein, who died in September. It was temporarily filled by Laphonza Butler, who stated she would not run to defend it this cycle.
Katie Porter has been endorsed by some of my progressive darlings like Elizabeth Warren.AP
Under California’s system, the top two vote-getters in the primary advance to the general election, regardless of party. This happened in 2016, when then-attorney general Kamala Harris battled with Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.).
Democrats must defend 23 Senate seats in the 2024 cycle, compared to 11 Republicans must defend. Democrats have a slim majority of 51 to 49 seats.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
