Tensions flared outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters as a large group of pro-Palestinian/Hamas protesters clashed with the Capitol Police on Wednesday, leading to six officers sustaining injuries and the evacuation of lawmakers from the vicinity.
#BREAKING: Pro-Palestine Protesters are Clashing with Metro DC Police Outside Democratic National Committee Headquarters
⁰#Washington | #DC⁰
Currently Hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters have gathered outside the Democratic National Committee Headquarters in Washington,… pic.twitter.com/sNEzM2wRIC— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 16, 2023
At DNC, Capitol police attacking protesters & throwing protesters down the stairs.#FreePalestine #CeasefireNowInGaza#AlShifaHospital pic.twitter.com/RwbhejuKTg
— #StopCopCity (@ChuckModi1) November 16, 2023
#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
The police force actively worked to control the situation, resulting in several arrests and the evacuation of all members from the affected area.
“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. Officers are making arrests. All Members have been evacuated from the area. Please stay away from the area,” Capitol Police wrote on X Wednesday night.
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. Officers are making arrests. All Members have been evacuated from the area. Please stay away from the area. pic.twitter.com/qHcpyYexjm
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) November 16, 2023
A DNC spokesperson revealed that they were closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with both the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) and Metro Police, who were leading the security response.
As the altercation intensified, nearby House office buildings were placed on restricted access. A number of lawmakers were reportedly inside the DNC office at the time of the incident. For security reasons, all members, including an unnamed high-ranking Democrat, were promptly relocated to safer grounds, according to NBC News.
“All House Office Buildings Locked Down. No exit or entry due to pro-Palestinian demonstration on Capitol Hill From USCP: All House buildings: Significant demonstration activity, no entry or exit is permitted at this time. You may move throughout the buildings,” Fox News reporter Chad Pergram wrote.
All House Office Buildings Locked Down. No exit or entry due to pro-Palestinian demonstration on Capitol Hill
From USCP: All House buildings: Significant demonstration activity, no entry or exit is permitted at this time. You may move throughout the buildings.— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) November 16, 2023
Representative Anna Paulina Luna responded to the incident on social media, expressing her dismay over the disruption caused by the protest, which also triggered a lockdown of Capitol offices, impacting her and her child.
“I’m with my baby at my office and the Capitol offices just went into lockdown because of these clowns. Imagine being that unhinged. Nut jobs,” Rep. Luna said.
I’m with my baby at my office and the Capitol offices just went into lockdown because of these clowns. Imagine being that unhinged. Nut jobs.
pic.twitter.com/30AXnxsQRJ— Anna Paulina Luna (@realannapaulina) November 16, 2023
Similarly, Democratic California Representative Brad Sherman, who is Jewish, reported his evacuation from the DNC, citing the protesters’ violent actions, including pepper spraying police officers and attempting to breach the building.
Dem CA Rep Brad Sherman, who is Jewish, indicates that he was just evacuated from the DNC after he says “pro-terrorist, anti-#Israel protestors grew violent, pepper spraying police officers and attempting to break into the building.”
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) November 16, 2023
The Capitol Police confirmed that six of their officers received treatment for various injuries, ranging from minor cuts to being pepper sprayed and physically assaulted. Additionally, one individual was arrested for assaulting an officer.
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
Amidst the unrest, pressing questions about the ramifications for this act of violent protest and the justice system’s response have been raised. There is an evident concern regarding whether the protestors involved will face similar consequences to those encountered by the January 6 defendants.
Officials have not yet provided specific details on how the justice system will proceed with those involved in the protest at the DNC headquarters.