Hundreds of “violent” anti-Israel protesters clashed with Capitol Police in Washington on Wednesday evening during a rally outside the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, causing them to be evacuated.
Video show dozens of officers in riot gear desperately pushed back unruly protesters as they charged toward buildings on Canal Street and Ivy Street, SE.
Protesters – many wearing black shirts reading “Stop Guns Now” – were also seen trying to grab hold of metal barricades as officers rushed in to make arrests.
About 150 people “protest illegally and violently” outside the Capitol Police office write on X.
The department said protesters deliberately attacked its officers, injuring several people.
“Tonight 6 officers were treated for injuries – from minor cuts to being pepper sprayed to being punched. One person was arrested for assaulting an officer. We appreciate our officers arresting these illegal & violent protesters & protecting everyone in the area,” Capitol Police said in a follow-up tweet.
US Capitol Police officers pull protesters away from the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee on Wednesday night.Getty Images
One of the groups organizing the demonstration, If Not Now, claimed the protest was peaceful until law enforcement intervened.
“We link arms, threaten no one, and appeal to our politicians to support an end to the killing and suffering in Gaza. Begging, peacefully, for a truce. And this is the answer,” said the group at X.
The massive crowd gathered at the DNC to light 11,000 candles to mark the 11,000 Gazan civilian lives reported to have been lost since the conflict erupted last month.
Video shows dozens of officers desperately pushing back about 150 unruly protesters as they charge toward buildings on Canal Street and Ivy Street, SE.Getty Images
The video was taken moments before the collision shows protesters standing calmly on the steps of the DNC with clasped hands as they sing “Which side are you on?”
Police were then seen trying to pull the protesters off the stairs, even as the group tried to stay chained together.
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) said he was one of about 100 people — House leaders, lawmakers and Democratic candidates running for the House — attending a reception at party headquarters when they were escorted out of the building.
Police are making arrests, but have not said how many people have been arrested.Getty Images
Capitol police “came out in force” and ordered lawmakers into a safe room in the basement, he said.
About seven lawmakers gathered in the basement and were loaded into a police SUV.
“Just moved from #DNC after pro-terrorist, anti-#Israel protesters turned violent, pepper-spraying police officers and trying to break into buildings. Thanks to the police officers who stopped them and helped me and my friends get out safely,” he wrote to X.
“Right now our officers are working to arrest approximately 150 people who are illegally and violently protesting in the area of Canal Street and Ivy Street, SE,” Capitol Police wrote on X.Getty Images
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) said she had her three-month-old baby inside Capitol officials when the building was closed.
“Imagine being unhinged. Nut job,” said Luna.
Officials sent an alert to congressional staff telling them no one is allowed in or out of any House office building.
Capitol Police also added, “Officers are making arrests. All Members have been evacuated from the area. Please stay away from the area.”Getty Images
Police are making arrests, but have not said how many people have been arrested.
The Metropolitan Police Department said its officers also responded to the disturbance.
The clash came just a day after nearly 300,000 people gathered on the National Mall in DC to defend Israel’s war against Hamas.
With Postal wire
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
