Originally published October 19, 2023 8:54 am PDT
In a significant demonstration on Wednesday, activists in support of Palestinians made their presence felt at the U.S. Capitol complex.
Clad in black shirts displaying messages such as “Jews say ceasefire now” and “Not in our name,” the protesters entered the Cannon House Building’s rotunda and held their ground.
Simultaneously, hundreds of supporters gathered outside the complex to bolster their cause.
Jewish Voice for Peace, a progressive Jewish organization championing pro-Palestinian sentiments, played a pivotal role in promoting the event.
In a statement, the group declared, “We have the power to stop the ongoing atrocities against Palestinians. We refuse to stand by as the Israeli government commits genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. #ceasefirenow.”
They further emphasized their resolve, stating, “We won’t leave until Congress calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.”
As the crowd’s chants echoed through the corridors of the Capitol, Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) expressed her solidarity outside the Cannon House Office Building, declaring, “I think the White House and everyone thinks we’re just gonna sit back and let this just continue to happen. No!”
Tensions escalated when, according to Capitol Police, around 300 individuals were detained.
Of this number, at least three face charges related to assaulting a police officer.
Spencer Brown, Townhall’s managing editor, drew attention to the protest, noting on Twitter Wednesday, “The scene in the Cannon House Office Building rotunda on Capitol Hill as Hamas sympathizers chant under a banner calling for a ‘CEASEFIRE.’ Of note, demonstrations are not allowed in congressional buildings, per Capitol Police.”
“There’s an insurrection happening now on Capitol Hill,” tweeted Rep. Marjorie Tayol Greene (R-GA), connecting the protest to the events of January 6, 2021, when the Capitol was overrun by supporters of President Donald Trump and others.
In anticipation of the large-scale demonstration, Capitol Police had already bolstered security measures.
The entire complex was surrounded by fencing, there was a noticeable rise in police personnel, and Congress members were advised by the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms to remain indoors, making use of the underground tunnels for navigation.
Capitol Police kept a close eye on the gathering, hoping to maintain order while activists raised their voices, urging Congress to advocate for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Hamas in Gaza and Israel.
