Protests outside the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) took a violent turn on Wednesday as anti-Israel groups clashed with police, injuring six officers and prompting all U.S. House buildings to be placed on lockdown.
A crowd of roughly 150 activists were demanding a ceasefire during what Capitol police described as a violent and illegal protest.
“Right now our officers are working to keep back approximately 150 people who are illegally and violently protesting in the area of Canal Street and Ivy Street, SE,” a statement read.
The police also noted that all House members had been “evacuated” and “officers are making arrests.”
Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) confirmed buildings had been placed on lockdown, sharing an alert sent to House members advising that there is “no entry or exit … permitted at this time.”
All U.S. House buildings locked down while Pro-Hamas rioters trying to storm the offices of the Democratic National Committee pic.twitter.com/lhRJq1rMBI
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 16, 2023
Protesters Injure Capitol Police Officers Outside DNC Headquarters
Video posted to the X social media platform shows some anti-Israel protesters violently clashing with Capitol police officers outside of DNC headquarters.
As officers desperately try to push the crowd back out of the area, a woman can be seen repeatedly screaming at one, “F*** you, b****.”
This is currently happening outside the DNC headquarters in Washington.
Far-left pro-Palestine rioter are clashing with police trying to enter the building.
pic.twitter.com/5jdeDZV2hP— Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 16, 2023
Other shocking imagery shows officers attempting to drag the pro-Palestinian protesters away from the entrance to the DNC building as they chant, “Let Gaza live.”
Now cops are violently attacking hundreds of people calling for a ceasefire outside of DNC Headquarters, as we chant “Let Gaza Live!”
We want to be crystal clear to the Democratic Party: you cannot continue to ignore those you claim to represent.
The people will not allow it. pic.twitter.com/0mzkHqg77l
— IfNotNow
(@IfNotNowOrg) November 16, 2023
Officers in riot gear and using pepper spray pushed the protesters away as those inside the DNC building were evacuated.
#BREAKING: Capitol police are now in riot gear as all members inside the Democratic National Committee Headquarters have been evacuated during a private event. Authorities are advising everyone to stay away from the area due to violent protests. pic.twitter.com/35B5Ksn8sZ
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 16, 2023
One protester on the scene accused the Capitol police of “shoving anti-war activists down the stairs.”
Insurrection at DNC HQ in DC. pic.twitter.com/qi2Z9Mxrku
— @amuse (@amuse) November 16, 2023
Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA) called the activists “pro-terrorist” and accused them of using pepper spray on the officers.
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. (1/2) https://t.co/tYVCK3o0YA
— Congressman Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) November 16, 2023
The Capitol Police posted an update on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, revealing that six officers had been injured. The injuries involved cuts, pepper spray-related ailments, and even “being punched.”
Remarkably, however, they also announced only one arrest thus far.
Tonight 6 officers were treated for injuries – ranging from minor cuts to being pepper sprayed to being punched. One person has been arrested for assault on an officer. We appreciate our officers who kept these illegal & violent protesters back & protected everyone in the area.
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) November 16, 2023
If It Looks Like an Insurrection…
Reaction from the right side of the social media sphere ranged from the obvious comparisons of the DNC protesters to a so-called “insurrection,” to observations that these “mostly peaceful” protesters will likely not suffer the same fate in the end as those who rioted at the Capitol in 2021.
Only one arrest seems to confirm that there will be little in the way of accountability. Will internet “sleuths” track down everybody in these videos for the next three years? Will there be an 11/15 committee convened?
Why are the “MAGA Republicans” doing this to the DNC headquarters?
— ALX
(@alx) November 16, 2023
One of the groups organizing the event accused the Capitol Police of instigating the violence and suggested that there would be more protests to come.
“Within moments tonight in Washington DC, police violently assaulted peaceful anti-war protestors calling for a ceasefire,” Jewish Voice for Peace said in a statement.
“This is the response from the US government to those of us calling for the protection and preciousness of Palestinian lives,” they added. “We won’t back down!”
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) November 16, 2023
Earlier this week, the March for Israel saw an estimated 200,000 people in attendance. No violent protests broke out at that event. The National Guard, though, was activated prior to the march.
Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security raised the security level to the highest designation in anticipation of the massive crowd.
It would appear they should have taken those precautions to address the DNC protesters instead.
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