Capitol Police clash with violent Palestinian protesters outside DNC headquarters
November 15, 2023 10:43 PM
U.S. Capitol Police officers made arrests outside of the Democratic National Committee’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, with the arrests coming after a crowd of 150 illegal and “violent protesters” gathered outside the building.
It is not clear how many of the protesters have been arrested, but they appeared to call for a ceasefire and support Palestinians in the war between Hamas and Israel, according to Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA).
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“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,” Sherman posted to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
“Thankful to the police officers who stopped them and for helping me and my colleagues get out safely. Apparently, these pro-#Hamas demonstrators want #Republicans to prevail in the next Congressional election,” he said.
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.
Thankful to the police officers who stopped them and for helping me and my colleagues get out safely. (1/2) https://t.co/tYVCK3o0YA
— Congressman Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) November 16, 2023
Approximately seven members of Congress were inside the DNC when they were evacuated from the building by “heavily armed and serious” Capitol Police officers, Sherman told ABC News.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA), and Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA) were inside the DNC on Wednesday night, but Sherman said Jeffries and Clark had left by the time protests started breaking out. The House office buildings were also shut down and evacuated over the unrest, but they have since resumed normal operations, sources have confirmed to the Washington Examiner.
This is currently happening outside the DNC headquarters in Washington.
Far-left pro-Palestine rioter are clashing with police trying to enter the building.
pic.twitter.com/5jdeDZV2hP— Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 16, 2023
Six Capitol Police officers were hurt in the incident.
Tonight 6 officers were treated for injuries – ranging from minor cuts to being pepper sprayed to being punched. 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.
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) November 16, 2023
Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department confirmed the activities and said it is assisting the Capitol Police with the situation. Residents have been told to stay away from the area for now.
“Right now our officers are working to keep back approximately 150 people who are illegally and violently protesting in the area of Canal Street and Ivy Street, SE. Officers are making arrests. All Members have been evacuated from the area. Please stay away from the area,” Capitol Police said in a statement.
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The riot comes a day after hundreds of thousands of pro-Israel supporters peacefully rallied on the National Mall.
Emily Jacobs contributed to this story.