Hundreds of “violent” anti-Israel protesters clashed with Capitol Police in Washington Wednesday evening during a rally outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters, prompting its evacuation.
Video shows dozens of officers in riot gear desperately pushing back the unruly protesters as they charged toward the building at Canal Street and Ivy Street SE.
The demonstrators — many wearing black shirts that read “Cease Fire Now” — were also seen trying to grab hold of metal barricades as the officers rushed in to make arrests.
About 150 people were “illegally and violently protesting” outside the office, Capitol Police wrote on X.
The department said the protesters deliberately attacked its officers, leaving several injured.
“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,” Capitol Police said in a follow-up tweet.
Members of US Capitol Police pull protesters away from the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee on Wednesday night. Getty ImagesOne of the groups that organized the demonstration, If Not Now, claimed the protest had been peaceful until law enforcement intervened.
“We are linking arms, threatening no one, and begging our politicians to support an end to the killing and the suffering in Gaza. Begging, peacefully, for a ceasefire. And this is the response,” the group posted on X.
The massive group gathered at the DNC to light 11,000 candles to mark the reported 11,000 Gaza civilian lives lost since the outbreak of the conflict last month.
Video shows dozens of officers desperately pushing back an estimated 150 unruly protesters as they charged toward the building at Canal Street and Ivy Street SE. Getty ImagesVideo taken moments before the clash showed the protesters calmly standing at the steps of the DNC with their arms linked together singing, “Which side are you on?”
Police were then seen trying to yank the protesters off the stairs, though the group attempted to remain chained together.
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) said he was one of about 100 people — House leaders, lawmakers and Democratic candidates running for the House — attending a reception at party headquarters when they were ushered out of the building.
Police were making arrests, but didn’t say how many people were taken into custody. Getty ImagesThe Capitol Police “came in force” and directed lawmakers into a secure room in the basement, he said.
About seven lawmakers were huddled in the basement and loaded into police SUVs.
“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,” Sherman wrote on X.
“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,” Capitol Police wrote on X. Getty ImagesRep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) said she had her 3-month-old baby inside the Capitol offices when the buildings went into lockdown.
“Imagine being that unhinged. Nut jobs,” Luna said.
Officials sent an alert to congressional staffers telling them no one would be permitted to enter or exit any House office buildings.
Capitol Police also added, “Officers are making arrests. All Members have been evacuated from the area. Please stay away from the area.” Getty ImagesPolice were making arrests, but didn’t say how many people were taken into custody.
The Metropolitan Police Department said its officers were also responding to the disturbance.
The clash comes just one day after nearly 300,000 people gathered at the National Mall in DC to defend the Israeli war against Hamas.
With Post wires
