Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered at the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) in Washington D.C. on November 15, calling for an immediate cease-fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The protest turned violent, with clashes between the protesters and the police. U.S. Capitol Police reported that about 150 people were “illegally and violently protesting” near the DNC headquarters.
Videos on social media showed demonstrators shoving police officers and attempting to grab metal barricades. Six officers were injured during the clash, suffering minor cuts, pepper spray burns, or being punched by protesters. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) also responded to the scene, with approximately 150 officers and at least 50 police cruisers present.
The protesters, including members of If Not Now and Jewish Voice for Peace, were demanding a cease-fire and wore black shirts with the phrase “Cease Fire Now.” They insisted that their protest was peaceful, while police reacted violently. Olivia, one of the protesters, said, “We were peacefully saying, ‘cease-fire now,’ and the cops violently pushed us to the ground, threw us to the ground.”
The demonstration outside the DNC headquarters disrupted a reception attended by House leaders, lawmakers, and Democratic candidates. Some lawmakers were evacuated to safety, and Rep. Brad Sherman referred to the protesters as “pro-Hamas.” Rep. Sean Casten and former Michigan Representative Peter Meijer were also evacuated and expressed gratitude to the police for their assistance.
The clash at the DNC headquarters drew attention to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Pro-Palestinian protesters criticized the U.S. government’s support for Israel, citing the loss of lives and taxpayer dollars involved in the conflict. Meanwhile, some lawmakers and commentators highlighted the difference in behavior between the pro-Israel “March for Israel” event and the clashes at the DNC, emphasizing the need for peaceful demonstrations.
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton called for the Biden administration to treat the “pro-Hamas insurrectionists” in the same way as the January 6 cases, urging law enforcement to track them down, arrest them, convict them, and lock them up.
The situation at the DNC headquarters reflects the deep divisions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict within the United States. Both sides continue to advocate for their positions, with protests serving as a platform to express their views. The clash between pro-Palestinian protesters and the police highlights the challenges of maintaining peace and order during heated demonstrations.
