Chaos erupted outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters when a large gathering of pro-Palestinian/Hamas rioters clashed with Capitol Police on Wednesday. The confrontation resulted in six officers sustaining injuries, prompting the evacuation of lawmakers from the area.
Last night, a violent pro-Palestine mob attacked police officers.
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 16, 2023
Members of Congress were evacuated.
The Capitol was locked down.
0 front page coverage in the press.
pic.twitter.com/PALfBqsOzr
Capitol Police attempted to control the situation, leading to multiple arrests and the complete evacuation of everyone 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 spokesperson from the DNC revealed that they were monitoring the situation and collaborating with both the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) and Metro Police, who were spearheading the security response.
As tensions rose during the altercation, access to nearby House office buildings was restricted. Several lawmakers were said to be present inside the DNC office when the incident occurred. As a precautionary security measure, all members, including an undisclosed high-ranking Democrat, were swiftly moved to safer locations, as reported by 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
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) November 16, 2023
From USCP: All House buildings: Significant demonstration activity, no entry or exit is permitted at this time. You may move throughout the buildings.
Representative Anna Paulina Luna took to social media to share her disappointment regarding the insurrection, which consequently led to a lockdown of Capitol offices, affecting both 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.
— Anna Paulina Luna (@realannapaulina) November 16, 2023
pic.twitter.com/30AXnxsQRJ
Likewise, Democrat California Representative Brad Sherman, who practices Judaism, detailed his departure from the DNC, citing the rioters aggressive behavior, such as pepper spraying police officers and trying 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 verified that six of their officers required treatment for a range of injuries, from minor cuts to being pepper sprayed and physically assaulted. Moreover, one person 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
In the midst of the turmoil, questions have emerged regarding the implications of this violent protest and how the justice system will address it. There’s a noticeable concern about whether the rioters involved will face similar consequences as the January 6 political prisoners have.
Specific information on how the justice system plans to handle those involved in the riot at the DNC headquarters has not been disclosed by officials yet.
