OAKLAND – Protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza took over the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building in Oakland on Monday.
More than 700 Jewish people and their allies occupied the building’s rotunda, according to organizers. Many of them wore matching black T-shirts declaring, “Jews Say Ceasefire Now.”
Organizers said the protesters would not leave the building unless a ceasefire is called or they are forcibly removed. As of 6:15 p.m., no arrests had been announced.
The action was part of a national week of Jewish-led protests calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, according to organizers. It also came on the same say President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were in the Bay Area for APEC 2023.
Other protests have taken place at Grand Central Station and the Statue of Liberty.
In a statement, the Oakland Police Department said it received reports of a protest at the building just after 4:15 p.m. Monday. Officers assisted the Federal Protective Service with evacuating employees from the building as well as traffic control.
The Federal Protective Service did not immediately respond to message seeking comment on the protest.
Check back for updates.