Imagine this: it’s a scene straight out of a high-stakes political thriller movie. On Tuesday, radical left-wing protestors took over the U.S. Capitol, causing an uproar across America’s political spectrum. This chaotic event coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial address to a joint session of Congress.
The demonstration was ignited by discontent over Netanyahu’s visit and perceived injustices committed by his nation against Hamas. Around 200 anti-Israel protestors gathered in the Rotunda hall of the Cannon Building. Sporting red shirts adorned with phrases like “Jews Say Stop Arming Israel” and “Not in Our Name”, they made their objections heard loud and clear. Their chants of “Stop Arming Israel” echoed off the marble walls as if the building itself was amplifying their call for justice.
U.S. Capitol police begin to arrest some of the hundreds of Jewish people protesting at the Capitol calling for a ceasefire & arms embargo to Israel pic.twitter.com/MdOQ0hNKxX
— Prem Thakker (@prem_thakker) July 23, 2024
The situation escalated rapidly, prompting lawmakers to secure their offices. Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI) and his staff found themselves barricading the doors as protestors pounded violently on all three office entrances. According to Kildee’s chief of staff, “Hundreds of protesters outside the office became disruptive, violently beating on the office doors, shouting loudly, and attempting to force entry into the office.” It was a tense standoff that seemed more like a Hollywood drama than reality.
The Left is inherently violent. https://t.co/1UQsYzyRap
— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) July 24, 2024
The U.S. Capitol Police and the Sergeant at Arms stepped in promptly, making several arrests to restore order. The dramatic footage showing protestors being detained has since gone viral, adding fuel to the fiery debate over U.S. foreign policy and Israel’s actions.
In a notable move, several Democratic lawmakers chose to boycott Netanyahu’s speech in support of the protestors, arguing that Washington isn’t doing enough to prevent civilian casualties in the conflict. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), originally slated to preside over the joint session, announced she would step aside, passing the role to Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD). This was due to Kamala Harris also boycotting.
Despite the political turmoil surrounding him, Netanyahu remained calm and focused. Before his address, he reiterated Israel’s unwavering alliance with the United States to reporters. “In this time of war and uncertainty, it’s important that Israel’s enemies know that America and Israel stand together,” he firmly stated.
This recent riot came more than three years after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, inevitably drawing comparisons. Yet, will we see any of these protestors held in DC Gitmo alongside the J6ers? It seems unlikely.
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