As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to address Congress on Wednesday, hundreds of protestors took to the streets of D.C. to voice their opposition.
Amidst efforts to bring about an end to the Israel-Hamas War, U.S. leaders faced the challenge of managing the security situation during Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit. Several roads were closed and restrictions were imposed across the district, while additional security measures were implemented to ensure safety.
As the tension escalated, protesters from various parts of the country, including New York and Ohio, made their way to Washington D.C. to join the demonstrations.
According to protestor Hasan Isham, Congress has extended an invitation to a war criminal, which is strongly opposed by the protestors. The protest is aimed at showcasing the disapproval of ongoing genocide for the past 10 months.
Demonstrators gathered in Capitol Hill on Wednesday afternoon, rallying around a large stage that had been set up for the protest.
One protestor shared, “I am here to stand up for what I believe is right and for the values of our country, which are freedom and democracy. Despite the existence of bullies out here, I decided to come out and make sure that these values are upheld.”
Another protester expressed their belief that the acceptance of a war criminal in Washington D.C. or anywhere else is entirely unacceptable and that the government, particularly Joe Biden, has neglected to address the issue.
In the last two days, protests have erupted in the District, resulting in the arrest of approximately 200 pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the Capitol by U.S. Capitol Police on Tuesday night. The officials stated that the group was taken into custody for obstructing, crowding or incommoding inside the Cannon House Office Building.
As of Wednesday afternoon, D.C. police have announced road closures due to ongoing protests, which are expected to continue throughout the day. Here is a list of the roads that are currently blocked off.
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- 3rd and Maryland Ave towards Independence Ave
- 3rd and Independence towards 4th Street, SW.
- 12th Street Tunnel
- East Capitol Street between 4th and 6th Street SE
- 3rd. and Pennsylvania Avenue
- 4th and A Street SE
- 4th and Maryland Avenue
At around 1:50 p.m., the U.S. Capitol Police released a statement announcing that they had started dispensing pepper spray to control the protesters. The disruption caused by five individuals in the House Gallery during the address led to their arrest.
During that time, most of the demonstrators were heading towards Columbus Circle at Union Station.