Massive pro-Palestine protest at White House descends into chaos as smoke bombs go off and attendees claim they’ve been MACED
A large pro-Palestinian protest at the White House has descended into chaos, with smoke bombs set off and attendees claiming they were beaten with batons.
Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington on Saturday calling for a ceasefire against Gaza.
Video shows clouds of smoke in front of the White House as a speaker delivers a speech to a crowd calling Israel a “butcher of Gaza.”
Independent journalist Ford Fischer shared a photo of his bloodshot face and claimed the mace was used on the crowd during an attempted arrest.
In another clip, officers can be seen pushing their way through the crowd shouting ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘f*** the Police’.
A large pro-Palestinian protest outside the White House has descended into chaos, with smoke bombs set off and attendees claiming they had been defeated
Video shows smoke rising in front of the White House as a speaker delivers a speech to a crowd calling Israel a ‘butcher of Gaza’
Officers were seen pushing their way through the crowd to chants of ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘f*** the Police’
Activists were transported across state lines to attend the large gathering, which marks eight months since the start of the war.
More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel’s attacks on Gaza, which began in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis.
The chaos unfolded as Biden was out of the country on an official visit to France.
Protesters unfurled a giant red flag with the names of the victims, which they used to surround the White House as part of the demonstration.
The Secret Service said it had taken security measures, including installing anti-limescale fencing ahead of the demonstration.
Due to the crowds in Lafayette Square Park, several roads are closed.
The 1600 Block of H Street NW from 17th St NW is closed until further notice.
The White House previously stated that it only supports peaceful protests.
Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington on Saturday, calling for a ceasefire on Gaza and criticizing Biden’s handling of the situation
Activists were transported across state lines to attend the major gathering, which marks eight months since the start of the war
The U.S. State Parks Department said it was not yet aware of any arrests.
The US, Israel’s main ally, has seen months of pro-Palestinian protests ranging from marches and vigils to blocking bridges and roads near train stations and airports in multiple cities and encampments on many college campuses.
At least eight officials have left President Joe Biden’s administration after opposing his policies.
Protesters have also disrupted some events in Biden’s re-election campaign.