Anti-Israel protesters stormed the parliament building on Tuesday, some reportedly trying to break into lawmakers’ offices, a day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was due to speak to parliament.
U.S. Capitol Police told X that officers arrested dozens of protesters after warning the disturbing group about 30 minutes after the illegal occupation of the Cannon Building Rotunda.
The structure was removed around 5 p.m., according to the department.
Hundreds of protesters sat in a circle in the plaza and chanted slogans before police began stripping them of their placards, according to a video posted by one of the protest groups.
Additional photos and videos posted by Jewish Voice for Peace showed protesters’ arms bound behind their backs with zip ties as they were led away by authorities.
About 200 people were arrested and charged with crowding, obstruction and inconvenience, according to Capitol Police.
The office of Michigan Democratic Rep. Dan Kildee said protesters were “vigorously” banging on his office door, yelling and “attempting to force entry into the office.”
The congressman’s office contacted authorities, and “U.S. Capitol Police and Capitol Security immediately responded to the incident and made several arrests,” a spokesman said.
The occupation forces have mainly directed their anger at the Biden administration, calling on the commander in chief to halt shipments of military aid to Israel.
“We’re not focused on Netanyahu. He’s just a symptom,” said Jane Hirschman, a New York native and daughter of a Holocaust survivor.
“But how can (Biden) call for a ceasefire if he’s sending bombs and planes?”
Netanyahu’s visit to the United States sparked protests and condemnation from several left-wing lawmakers, who said they would not attend his planned parliamentary speech on Wednesday.
Netanyahu will meet with Biden on Thursday and is also scheduled to meet separately with Vice President Kamala Harris afterward, U.S. officials said.
Netanyahu is also scheduled to meet with former president and 2024 Republican nominee Donald Trump on Friday.
The prime minister has faced enormous criticism since Hamas terrorists killed 1,200 Israelis on October 7, and the Jewish state launched a devastating military operation in Gaza.
The families of eight Americans kidnapped by Hamas to Gaza urged lawmakers on Tuesday to pressure Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make the terror group a priority for the release of more hostages.
With post wire
