FOX News Griff Jenkins reports the latest from the White House. The gates of the White House have been vandalized by demonstrators taking part in pro-Palestinian protests over the weekend. As of Monday morning, the spray paint on the gates has yet to be cleaned up. The National Park Service, in coordination with the White House Historical Association, is currently working on the removal of the graffiti. Photos taken at an entry gate north of the White House show red handprints smeared across the bricks, pro-Palestine stickers, and messages advocating for the freedom of Palestine.
During the demonstration in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters marched on the White House, defacing multiple statues and wrapping Palestinian flags around a statue of Benjamin Franklin. The protests were in response to President Biden’s continued support of Israel in the country’s war against Hamas. Some protesters were heard chanting derogatory remarks about President Biden outside the White House, while others called for a cease-fire and shouted “Allahu Akbar.”
Despite the large crowds and instances of vandalism, the Washington Metropolitan Police Department made only one arrest during the demonstrations. Several minor incidents of property damage and vandalism were reported, including damage to the McPherson Square Metro Station and several police vehicles. The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating these acts of vandalism.
Acting Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith released a statement affirming the department’s commitment to respecting peaceful protests and supporting the exercise of First Amendment rights. The Secret Service, responsible for security around the White House, reported no arrests made during the demonstrations.
The protests in Washington, D.C., coincided with other demonstrations around the world calling for an end to the Israel-Hamas war. The ongoing conflict has sparked a humanitarian crisis in the Hamas-controlled territory of Gaza.
As of now, the gates of the White House remain defaced, serving as a visual reminder of the pro-Palestinian movement’s call for change. The removal of the graffiti is currently underway as authorities work to restore the appearance of the historic site. Stay tuned for further updates on the 2024 campaign trail and exclusive interviews by subscribing to our newsletter.
