Clashes outside Democrat HQ during Israel-Hamas war protest

Police, demonstrators clash outside Democratic HQ during Israel-Hamas war protest

U.S. Capitol Police outside headquarters of Democratic National Committee

By MIKE PESOLI and CHRIS MEGERIAN

Associated Press

Nov. 16, 2023 1:25 AM PT

WASHINGTON — Police and protesters clashed outside Democratic National Committee headquarters Wednesday night during a demonstration calling for a cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas, the latest reflection of tensions over the bloody conflict.

Scores of Democratic representatives and candidates, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, were inside the building for a campaign reception when it was interrupted by chanting outside. Protesters said they wanted to block entrances and exits to force politicians to encounter their candlelight vigil and their calls for an end to the fighting. Many of them wore black shirts saying “Cease Fire Now.”

However, the situation swiftly devolved into violent confrontations. U.S. Capitol Police said about 150 people were “illegally and violently protesting” in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington. But protesters blamed police for the violence, saying officers rushed them without warning.

“It is shameful the way that nonviolent protesters and members of our community were met with violence tonight,” said Dani Noble, who came from Philadelphia for the demonstration. “It is absolutely shameful.”

Noble said police, some of whom were wearing riot gear, started “pulling on folks that are disabled or have chronic illnesses, pulling people to the ground.”

Inside the Democratic headquarters, police rushed into the reception and directed lawmakers to the basement, according to Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks). Some were later evacuated in police vehicles.

Capitol Police said six officers were treated for minor injuries and one protester was arrested after allegedly assaulting an officer. Video posted on social media showed shoving and scuffles as police moved in.

Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department said its officers also responded to the disturbance. Congressional staffers received an alert telling them that no one would be permitted to enter or exit any House office buildings, but authorities later reopened the entrances.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Sherman accused protesters of trying to break into the Democratic headquarters. However, protesters denied that was their intention.

The protest was organized by a coalition of groups, including If Not Now and Jewish Voice for Peace Action, that have spearheaded other demonstrations in Washington and elsewhere.

Wednesday’s clashes were the latest example of roiling tensions over the war between Israel and Hamas.

Last week, a large number of House Democrats joined nearly all Republicans in voting to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), the only Palestinian American in Congress, over her criticism of the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians. Tlaib, who has family in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, came under heavy criticism for not immediately condemning Hamas after the attack. She since has called out the militant group while also urging a cease-fire.

President Biden has also faced increasing pressure from the Democratic Party’s left flank over his support for Israel’s military operation. He has resisted calls for a cease-fire, instead saying there should be pauses in the fighting to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the potential release of hostages held by Hamas.

Among the participants at Wednesday night’s protest in Washington was Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg, who interrupted Biden’s speech at a recent fundraiser in Minneapolis.