Chaos in DC: Aftermath of Protests Following Netanyahu’s Visit
The aftermath of protests in Washington, DC following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Congress has left Union Station in chaos. Amtrak police closed multiple entrances to the station as protesters gathered in response to Netanyahu’s speech.
According to U.S. Park Police, the crowd at Columbus Circle was associated with a First Amendment demonstration, but things quickly escalated. Eight people were arrested after ignoring police instructions, leading to a tense situation that required additional officers from across the DMV area and even New York City.
Protesters attempted to breach barriers at the Capitol, leading to arrests and the deployment of pepper spray by Capitol Police. The group “Arrest Netanyahu” claimed to have brought in thousands of participants from various states to voice their grievances against the Israeli Prime Minister.
The protests stem from Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas, with protesters accusing Israel of killing too many civilians in Gaza. Despite the tensions, large pro-Israel counter-protests did not materialize, but small groups of supporters were present and faced harassment from pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
As the protests continued, the statue of Christopher Columbus in front of Union Station was defaced, and American flags were taken down and replaced with others, some of which were set on fire. National Park Service conservators will work to remove the paint from the statues and fountains at Columbus Circle.
Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, stepped in to raise American flags outside Union Station after the protests. Johnson criticized the protesters, calling them “useful idiots for the cause of Iran and its proxies.”
Security perimeters have been established around the Watergate Hotel, where Netanyahu is staying, and U.S. Capitol Police have issued warnings to Hill staffers to use underground tunnels for safer movement between congressional office buildings.
The aftermath of the protests in DC following Netanyahu’s visit has left a mark on Union Station and the surrounding area, with tensions running high and authorities working to maintain order in the wake of the demonstrations.
