Pro-Palestinian protesters began shouting during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, interrupting Biden’s top military leaders more than 25 times as they argued for military aid to Ukraine.
Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Q. Brown answered questions about the Defense Department’s 2025 military budget request, which totals a whopping $850 billion.
Shortly after the hearing began, Austin testified, “We do not have any evidence that Israel has (committed) genocide against the Palestinians,” a claim that directly contradicts what protesters claimed to support earlier in the hearing.
Just minutes earlier, chaos erupted as hecklers began shouting at Biden’s top military officials, accusing them of complicity in the genocide in Gaza.
“Enough is enough how many people have to die,” one protester shouted about the lives lost in Gaza as Israel tried to eliminate the terrorist group Hamas. ‘How many children must die?’
“Enough killing my people, enough,” the man continued.
“Stop bombing Gaza,” the protester demanded. ‘Stop financing Israel.’
Pro-Gaza protesters interrupt Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as he testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday
The protesters waved flags, raised their painted hands and did their best to break up the rally Tuesday morning
“Enough killing my people, enough,” the man with the flag shouted at the leaders
“Stop funding Israel,” another voice shouted, this time from a woman implanted in the interrogation room.
In response, Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., quickly told the audience, “The committee is in recess until the Capitol Police can restore order.”
As Capitol Police began escorting the pro-Gaza group out, protesters continued to shout their demands.
Later, after the protesters were escorted from the committee room, the hearing resumed.
Reed continued, “It is not appropriate for comment or demonstration. We’re going to have a hearing and we’re going to do that…”
“Stop the genocide in Gaza,” a woman shouted back, immediately interrupting him.
“Stop financing the genocide in Gaza,” another lady shouted.
They raised their hands as they made demands to the Senate and military leaders.
“Stop the war machine,” another voice shouted.
“I will direct the Capitol Police to remove the protesters,” Reed said again.
The protesters accused the US of complicity in a genocide carried out by Israel in Gaza, a claim the defense minister denies.
Later, Austin was expected to talk further about US plans to help the Gaza Strip, including the construction of a pier that would be used to bring food and relief supplies to the Hamas-run area.
He said the pier would “probably” be ready by the third weekend of this month.
If true, it means the military auxiliary pier could be ready in a few days.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed told Capitol Police to escort protesters from the hearing. When another group of protesters began interrupting proceedings, he demanded that they also be escorted out by authorities
Defense Sec. Lloyd Austin was explaining the US military’s 2025 budget to lawmakers as protests broke out
A protester calling for a ceasefire in Gaza screams as she is escorted out of the chamber by Capitol Police during a Senate committee hearing with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on October 31, 2023
“The United States has steadfastly supported Israel’s right to self-defense; worked to prevent the conflict in Gaza from causing new outbreaks on Israel’s northern border (and) pushed to protect innocent Palestinian civilians and get much more humanitarian aid to Gaza,” Austin said in his opening statement.
‘In the Middle East, the ministry remains committed to Israel’s right to self-defense; to ensure that Israel never has to suffer an attack like October 7 again; on the swift return of all hostages in Gaza, including American citizens; and preventing the further spread of conflict.”
“At the same time, we continue to pressure Israel to protect Palestinian civilians and increase the flow of urgently needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.”
Military leaders also pointed out that it is crucial to continue financing the ongoing war in Ukraine.
“If Putin gains the upper hand in Ukraine, it would embolden potential aggressors everywhere,” Austin said.
“The world of chaos and conquest that Putin seeks — a world in which autocrats think they can rewrite the borders by force — would leave the United States far less secure.”
Austin said Ukraine’s survival is directly tied to U.S. security.
The Pentagon’s proposed 2025 budget includes $300 million for munitions for Ukraine, but Austin conceded that the military needs Congress to act to provide more money for the ongoing effort.
The House of Representatives is expected to continue working on an additional financing package for foreign assistance to Ukraine, but it is unclear how the House will proceed.