Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered to block major roadways in Washington, D.C., to call for the United States to “end the genocide” related to the Israel-Hamas war.
Several local organizations, including the Palestinian Youth Movement, Occupation Free DC, DMV Dissenters, Maryland 2 Palestine, Harriet’s Dreams, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation, blocked five major intersections on Wednesday morning to call for a ceasefire and an “immediate end to the 16-year siege on Gaza,” according to the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights.
The Metropolitan Police Department pointed the Washington Examiner to the @DCPoliceTraffic X page that detailed several intersections that were closed due to “First Amendment activity in the city this morning.”
As of 9:30 a.m., intersections of 23rd and Constitution Avenue near the State Department and 15th Street and Independence Avenue NW have reopened. Street closures remain on I395 N/B@C and D St NW; and I395 N/B @14th St NW, according to D.C. police.
HAPPENING NOW: Hundreds of protesters are blocking 5 major roadways in DC & rallying at Union Station to end the genocide.
They’re stopping US gov’t war criminals from getting to work. NO BUSINESS AS USUAL! SHUT IT DOWN!
This is 23rd & Constitution near the State Dept. pic.twitter.com/QgFK1gSU0X
— USCPR #DefendMasaferYatta (@USCPR_) February 1, 2024
“NO BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR THE #GENOCIDEJOE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION! NO BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR WAR CRIMINALS! NO BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR ANYONE COMPLICIT IN THIS GENOCIDE!” the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights posted on X.
USCPR said Capitol Police officers began arresting protesters who were blocking the roads. People could be seen sitting on the street with signs saying to “end the occupation” and “end all U.S. aid to Israel.” Protesters could be heard chanting, “Free, free Palestine,” as arrests were being made.
🚨 BREAKING: Cops are now starting to arrest protesters who are blocking 5 MAJOR INTERSECTIONS in DC to end the genocide.
These protesters are disrupting the morning commute for thousands in the belly of the beast, stopping U.S. government war criminals from getting to work. pic.twitter.com/kskiOf2j3E
— USCPR #DefendMasaferYatta (@USCPR_) February 1, 2024
This is the latest protest to hit Washington since the U.S. offered its support of Israel during its counterattacks against Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist organization that attacked the Jewish state on Oct. 7. Protesters have demonstrated inside Capitol office buildings and outside the homes of members of Congress and vandalized homes and offices in members’ home states to call for a ceasefire in the war.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The Capitol Police recently arrested 130 members of the Mennonite Action group in the Cannon House Office Building who were calling for a ceasefire.
A spokesperson for the Capitol Police told the Washington Examiner that arrests are still ongoing.