In a scene that could easily be mistaken for the plot of a blockbuster political thriller, far-left protestors stormed the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, sending shockwaves through the nation’s political landscape. This riotous episode unfolded as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech before a joint session of Congress, an event already steeped in controversy and tension.
The protest, fueled by anger over Netanyahu’s visit and his nation’s actions against Hamas, saw approximately 200 anti-Israel protestors gather in the Cannon Building’s Rotunda hall. Clad in matching red shirts emblazoned with slogans like “Jews Say Stop Arming Israel” and “Not in Our Name,” the demonstrators made their discontent loud and clear. Their chants echoed through the halls, “Stop Arming Israel,” reverberating off the marble as if the building itself were amplifying their cries.
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
As lawmakers hunkered down and locked their doors, the scene grew increasingly chaotic. Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI) and his staff found themselves barricading entryways as protestors violently banged on all three of their office doors. “Hundreds of protesters outside the office became disruptive, violently beating on the office doors, shouting loudly, and attempting to force entry into the office,” Kildee’s chief of staff shared in a statement. It was a tense standoff, reminiscent of high-stakes dramas, but this was no fiction.
The Left is inherently violent. https://t.co/1UQsYzyRap
— Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) July 24, 2024
U.S. Capitol Police and the Sergeant at Arms responded swiftly, making several arrests to quell the unrest. The dramatic footage of the incident, showing protestors being apprehended, has since gone viral, adding another layer of intensity to an already heated debate over U.S. foreign policy and Israel’s actions.
Notably, a number of Democratic lawmakers opted to boycott Netanyahu’s speech in solidarity with the protestors, arguing that Washington isn’t doing enough to mitigate civilian casualties in the conflict. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), who was initially set to preside over the joint session, announced she would step aside, passing the baton to Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) instead. The only reason Patty Murray was set to preside was because Kamala Harris is boycotting as well.
Netanyahu, unfazed by the political storm brewing around him, maintained his composure and focus. Speaking to reporters before his address, he emphasized Israel’s unwavering alliance with the United States. “In this time of war and uncertainty, it’s important that Israel’s enemies know that America and Israel stand together,” he asserted.
This latest riot comes more than three years after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, drawing inevitable comparisons. But do you think we’re going to see any of them put in DC Gitmo with the J6ers? I doubt it.