Violence Erupts At Pro-Palestinian Protest Outside DNC Headquarters

Police and protesters clashed outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters on Wednesday night.

🚨BREAKING: Pro-Hamas Insurrectionists destroying the DNC Headquarters pic.twitter.com/jwM3WpmkFo

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) November 16, 2023

The violence erupted during a demonstration for a cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas.

🔥🚨BREAKING NEWS: There is currently a terrifying insurrection outside the DNC headquarters in Washington.

Far-left pro-Palestine rioter are fighting with police as they attempt to breach the headquarters.

This is truly horrifying, I fear for the safety of those Democrats. pic.twitter.com/ASPDaqxLdV

— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) November 16, 2023

From Fox News:

U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) said about 150 people were “illegally and violently protesting” near the DNC headquarters building in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington.

Protesters told Fox News Digital that there were 300 people protesting the war.

“Officers are making arrests,” USCP said on X. It advised people to stay away from the area.

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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

USCP confirmed on X that six officers were injured during the clash on Wednesday evening.

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

Authorities said that the officers suffered injuries ranging from minor cuts, pepper spray burns or being punched by protesters who turned violent alongside peaceful protesters.

Approximately 150 officers and at least 50 police cruisers from The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were seen at the protest, with videos showing protesters violently clashing with officers.

Pro-Palestine rioters are clashing with Capitol Police outside of the DNC headquarters in DC.

This is an insurrection. pic.twitter.com/EmXW7YuSNM

— #ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) November 16, 2023

Videos on social media showed protesters shoving police officers and trying to grab hold of metal barricades at the DNC headquarters as the officers forcefully removed the individuals.

Despite the unrest, the USCP was able to evacuate the building.

From CNN:

According to a person familiar with the matter, the Democratic leaders — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar, the No. 3 Democrat — were inside as the clash between protesters and police erupted.

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About 10 members were there, according to the source, including Suzan DelBene, the chairwoman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell. The members had been meeting with House candidates who were in town for training sessions and to connect with fellow Democrats.

California Rep. Brad Sherman told CNN’s Abby Philip on “NewsNight” that he was among the members evacuated to the Capitol and slammed protesters for “their willingness to attack police.”

Was just evacuated from the #DNC after pro-terrorist, anti-#Israel protestors grew violent, pepper spraying police officers and attempting to break into the building.

Thankful to the police officers who stopped them and for helping me and my colleagues get out safely. (1/2) https://t.co/tYVCK3o0YA

— Congressman Brad Sherman (@BradSherman) November 16, 2023

“The one point I want to make is, yesterday, there were 200,000 pro-Israel demonstrators, with a permit, entirely peaceful,” Sherman said. “And, here, you have a demonstration, less than 1000th as large, that’s also getting publicity and it’s getting publicity because their willingness to attack police – as they did with pepper spray – is a force multiplier.”

Rep. Sean Casten of Illinois said on social media that he was one of the members of Congress evacuated during the protest, writing that he was “grateful to Capitol Police for getting all members and staff out safely.”

You have the Constitutional right to peaceably assemble and protest. But blocking all entries to a building with multiple members of Congress in it, protected by Capitol Police officers who have lived through January 6 is putting you and other innocent people at risk. /2

— Sean Casten (@SeanCasten) November 16, 2023

“You have the Constitutional right to peaceably assemble and protest. But blocking all entries to a building with multiple members of Congress in it, protected by Capitol Police officers who have lived through January 6 is putting you and other innocent people at risk,” he added.

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A DNC spokesperson told CNN they were monitoring the situation and had been in touch with Capitol Police and DC Police.