Topline
A group of protestors calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war clashed with Capitol Police outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington D.C. on Wednesday night.
Protesters clash with members of U.S. Capitol Police as they block the entrance of the headquarters … [+]
Key Facts
Capitol Police said six of its officers were injured in the clash with protestors and one person was arrested for assaulting an officer.
According to the Associated Press, several Democratic lawmakers and candidates, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, were inside the DNC building when the protests began.
Donning black shirts with the slogan “Cease Fire Now” the protesters said they planned to block the entrances and exits of the building to ensure the lawmakers would see their protest.
The police’s statement accused the nearly 150 protestors at the site were acting “illegally and violently.”
The protesters, however, told AP they were holding a non-violent vigil which was met with violence from the police.
Crucial Quote
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) who was inside the DNC building during the protests, tweeted: “Was just evacuated from the DNC after pro-terrorist, anti-Israel protestors grew violent, pepper spraying police officers and attempting to break into the building. Thankful to the police officers who stopped them and for helping me and my colleagues get out safely. Apparently, these pro-Hamas demonstrators want Republicans to prevail in the next Congressional election.”
Chief Critic
One of the groups participating in the protest, IfNotNow issued a statement accusing the police of responding violently and “causing over 90 injuries.” The statement added: “Injuries to protesters range from being pepper sprayed, minor cuts, dragged by the hair, and being hit with police bikes. Protesters were choked and violently handled by multiple officers at once, thrown against the wall, then grabbed and picked up and thrown down the front stairs.”