Pro-Palestinian protesters occupied the Hart Senate office building on Capitol Hill and scaled a massive sculpture Monday. The demonstration, which called for a cease-fire in Gaza, resulted in over 40 arrests at the Senate Office Building, according to Fox 5 Washington D.C. The protesters, who were demanding a cease-fire in Gaza, illegally demonstrated inside the Congressional space, leading to their arrests.
Authorities reported that the demonstrators arrived at around 10 a.m., with one man even climbing a statue in the atrium. He was later charged with resisting arrest. Videos and reports captured officers using zip ties to restrain the protesters as they were being taken away.
U.S. Capitol Police officers arrested a total of 49 people at the Hart Senate Office Building. These individuals were charged with crowding, obstructing, and disruption, according to Capitol officials. The protest took place just hours before the annual White House Hanukkah party, where 18 Jewish elders chained themselves to the White House gates. Their goal was to demand an end to the U.S. funding and arming of what they referred to as the “genocide in Gaza.”
The group, known as Jewish Voice for Peace, posted a message on X, stating, “As elders, our hearts are shattered watching the Israeli military murder thousands of Palestinians, destroying families and lives. Everyone should be able to grow old like we have. We chained ourselves to the White House to demand a permanent cease-fire in Gaza now.”
During the protest, American Muslims for Palestine also held a rally near the Washington Monument, calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. U.S. Park Police issued 18 citations and cleared the demonstrators from the premises. However, U.S. Capitol Police and the White House have not yet commented on the incident.
This article highlights the recent pro-Palestinian protest at Capitol Hill, where over 40 individuals were arrested for demanding a cease-fire in Gaza. The demonstration took place inside the Hart Senate Office Building and involved one protester climbing a statue. Additionally, 18 Jewish elders chained themselves to the White House gates to protest against U.S. funding and arming of what they referred to as the “genocide in Gaza.” The article provides an overview of the arrests, the demands of the protesters, and the subsequent actions taken by law enforcement.
