Capitol Police arrested protestors participating in a sit-in in a Congressional office building in Washington, D.C., a day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address Congress. The crowd was one of many gatherings planned this week in DC to protest various factors in the war between Israel and Hamas.
Netanyahu’s Schedule
Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden and speak Wednesday at a joint session of Congress.
Protest Outside Netanyahu’s Hotel
Protestors gathered outside Netanyahu’s hotel Monday evening, and hundreds of protestors sat in the Cannon Rotunda, where several members of Congress have offices.
Protest Organized by Jewish Voice for Peace
The protest was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, and participants wore red shirts that said “Not In Our Name.” Protestors chanted, “Let Gaza Live!”
Capitol Police Actions
Capitol Police observed and monitored the protest for about ninety minutes before giving warnings and then arresting the remaining crowd using zip ties to bind wrists and arresting the protestors one at a time.
Testimony of Jane Hirschmann
One of the protestors, Jane Hirschmann from New York, drove to the sit-in with her arrested daughters. She said, “I am the daughter of Holocaust survivors, and I know what a Holocaust looks like. When we say “never again,” we mean never for anybody.”
Protestors’ Aims
The protests aimed to influence the Biden Administration to stop supplying arms to Israel.
Hirschmann’s Comments
Hirschmann said, “We’re not focusing on Netanyahu. He’s just a symptom. But how can Biden be calling for a cease-fire when he’s sending them bombs and planes?”
Capitol Police Intervention
The arrests began when a Congressional office called the Capitol Police to complain. Mitchell Rivard from Michigan Democratic Rep. Dan Kildee’s office said that the protestors “became disruptive, violently beating on the office doors, shouting, and attempting to force entry into the office.”
Nationwide Protests
The protests at the Congressional office buildings are not the only ones occurring around the country as Netanyahu makes his state visit.
Other Demonstrations
Other demonstrators have targeted Israel or aimed to support but, at the same time, pressure Netanyahu to agree to a cease-fire deal.
Hostage Situation
Hamas still has hostages who have not been returned to their families. Some of the families may stage a protest vigil Tuesday night in remembrance of their loved ones and to advocate for their negotiated return.
Upcoming Protests
Many unrelated and overlapping protests are expected Wednesday as Netanyahu prepares for his joint address to Congress. Security around the Capitol and Congressional Office Buildings will be heightened.
Meetings with U.S. Leaders
Biden and likely Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris will meet separately with Netanyahu on Thursday.
Absences at Netanyahu’s Address
Neither Biden, Harris, former President Trump, nor Senator and Vice Presidential Nominee J.D. Vance will be present at the Netanyahu address, although Trump announced that he would meet with Netanyahu on Friday.
