This tense standoff between law enforcement and protesters coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to a joint session of Congress, in which he discussed the ongoing conflict with Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist organization.
According to The Post Millennial, Capitol Police issued a statement on the situation, saying, “Part of the crowd has started to become violent at First Street and Constitution Avenue, NW. The crowd failed to obey our order to move back from our police line. We are deploying pepper spray towards anyone trying to break the law and cross that line.”
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These protests signify a marked escalation in tensions as demonstrators persist in expressing their opposition to Netanyahu's visit and Israel's actions amid the ongoing conflict. The streets near the Capitol were flooded with thousands of protesters, necessitating a robust police presence and the erection of high fencing.
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The protesters brandished signs portraying blood-stained hands and Netanyahu as a demonic figure. The placards bore messages such as "arrest Netanyahu" and "end all U.S. aid to Israel." The crowd was also heard chanting various slogans, including "Netanyahu you can't hide" and "The intifada has just begun."
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In anticipation of the protests, over 200 New York Police Department Officers were temporarily deputized as Capitol Police Special Officers on Tuesday to bolster the law enforcement presence in DC. NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry elaborated on this, stating, "These officers are some of the most highly trained and from some of the most specialized units in the Department and will use their knowledge and expertise to assist our law enforcement partners in DC."
In addition to the street protests, Capitol Police reported that five individuals in the House Gallery caused a disruption during the joint meeting. These individuals were swiftly removed from the Gallery and subsequently arrested.
