Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered to block major roadways in Washington, D.C., to call for the United States to “end the genocide” related to the Israel-Hamas war, ending with law enforcement arresting 23 protesters.
Several local organizations, including the Palestinian Youth Movement, Occupation Free DC, DMV Dissenters, Maryland 2 Palestine, Harriet’s Dreams, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation, blocked five major intersections on Wednesday morning to call for a ceasefire and an “immediate end to the 16-year siege on Gaza,” according to the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights.
The Metropolitan Police Department pointed the Washington Examiner to the @DCPoliceTraffic X page that detailed several intersections that were closed due to “First Amendment activity in the city this morning.”
As of 9:30 a.m., intersections of 23rd and Constitution Avenue near the State Department and 15th Street and Independence Avenue NW have reopened. Street closures remain on I395 N/B@C and D St NW; and I395 N/B @14th St NW, according to D.C. police.
“NO BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR THE #GENOCIDEJOE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION! NO BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR WAR CRIMINALS! NO BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR ANYONE COMPLICIT IN THIS GENOCIDE!” the U.S. Campaign for Palestinian Rights posted on X.
USCPR said Capitol Police officers began arresting protesters who were blocking the roads. People could be seen sitting on the street with signs saying to “end the occupation” and “end all U.S. aid to Israel.” Protesters could be heard chanting, “Free, free Palestine,” as arrests were being made.
This is the latest protest to hit Washington since the U.S. offered its support of Israel during its counterattacks against Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist organization that attacked the Jewish state on Oct. 7. Protesters have demonstrated inside Capitol office buildings and outside the homes of members of Congress and vandalized homes and offices in members’ home states to call for a ceasefire in the war.
The Capitol Police recently arrested 130 members of the Mennonite Action group in the Cannon House Office Building who were calling for a ceasefire.
A spokesperson for the Capitol Police told the Washington Examiner that officers arrested approximately 11 people from the demonstrations for Crowding, Obstructing, or Incommoding. Three of the 11 demonstrators were also charged with resisting arrest.
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MPD said in a release that officers arrested eight people, with all arrests occurring at the intersection of 23rd Street and Constitution Avenue NW. The individuals are facing charges of Crowding, Obstructing or Incommoding.
The U.S. Park Police told the Washington Examiner that officers made four arrests at the same intersection as MPD, charging them with Incommoding.
