About 200 people were arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest at the congressional building on Tuesday, the day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. appointed to appeal to legislators.
The demonstration, which took place at the Cannon House Office Building, was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace.
US Capitol Police they said that they warned the protestersThe pro-Palestinian chanters said the demonstration in the building was illegal before the arrests began.
No one resisted in prison. Capitol police tapped protesters on the shoulder to get them to stand up, handcuffed them with white ties and slowly led them out of the building.
Jewish Voice for Peace executive director Stephanie Fox said the protest was sparked by Netanyahu’s speech to a joint session of Congress.
“For nine months, we have watched in horror the Israeli government’s US-armed and funded genocide. Congress and the Biden administration have the power to end this horror today. Instead, our president is set to meet with Netanyahu, and congressional leadership has honored him with an invitation to address Congress,” Fox said in a statement.
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., watched the arrest of protesters from the third floor and later told NBC News that the protest was a “disgrace.”
“You know, frankly, these people continue to speak pro-Hamas, continue to spew anti-American, anti-Israel hatred,” Lawler said, adding, “many of them don’t understand the irony. In fact, if they were in Gaza, Hamas would probably kill them.” would kill.”
Democratic Michigan Rep. Dan Kildee’s chief of staff, Mitchell Rivard, said in a statement that his office was forced to call the Capitol Police for assistance because protesters were “violently banging on office doors, shouting loudly and attempting to force their way into the office. “
“The US Capitol Police and the Sergeant at Arms immediately responded to the incident and made several arrests. Congressman Kildee is safe and all of his staff are accountable,” Rivard added.
Syedah Asghar contributed.