Capitol Police arrested more than 60 anti-Israel protesters on Tuesday for storming into the historic Rotunda and demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.
Demonstrators scattered children’s shoes across the floor to symbolise Palestinians killed in the war with Israel after they entered the Capitol complex under the guise of being regular tourists.
They chanted and were placed in cuffs on the ground in front of statues of iconic American figures including George Washington, Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan and Harry Truman.
The group also demanded Congress drop Biden’s $110 billion ‘deadly deal’ in the Senate – the massive aid package in the works in the upper chamber and called for an immediate ceasefire in fighting, according to Daily Mail
Scores of activists demanding an end to the violence in Gaza have frequently clashed with cops on Capitol Hill since the October 7 Hamas attack and have even chained themselves to the White House fence.
“Stop funding violence against our communities,” read one massive sign the demonstrators held up in the Capitol Rotunda.
“Divest from militarism – invest in life,” read other signs demonstrators waved overhead. “Protect immigrants and asylees” and “ceasefire” read others.
Daily Mail reports that the demonstration came as the House had gone home for the holidays and the Senate remained in session – with low attendance rates – while leaders from each side tried to reach a deal on a package that included funding for Ukraine and Israel in exchange for new border security provisions.
Biden is facing renewed pressure from the progressive left to call for a ceasefire as Palestinian casualties pile up in the war in Gaza.
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