Capitol clash: 200 arrested in anti-Zionist protest during Netanyahu’s DC visit

In a dramatic late-night operation, Washington DC’s Capitol Police arrested approximately 200 protesters who had occupied the Cannon House Office Building. The demonstrators were protesting U.S. military aid to Israel and were charged with violating laws related to “crowding, obstructing, or incommoding.” The police highlighted that such demonstrations are prohibited within Congressional Buildings.

The protest was organized by the radical anti-Zionist group “Jewish Voice for Peace,” which condemned U.S. support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. They claimed that the Israeli government’s actions constitute illegal occupation and genocide, urging, “We’re here as Jews to refuse to be complicit and say never again, for anyone. STOP ARMING ISRAEL!”

According to Mitchell Rivard, chief of staff for Representative Dan Kildee, the situation escalated when protesters started “violently beating on the office doors, shouting loudly, and attempting to force entry into the office,” prompting immediate police intervention.

* The Jewish Chronicle contributed to this report