Thousands of protesters from across the United States gathered near the U.S. Capitol before, during, and after a speech by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to a joint meeting of Congress. The scene was reminiscent of high-security events like presidential inaugurations or the aftermath of the 2021 Capitol attack.
The Capitol Police took extensive security measures, including erecting a tall chain-link fence around the Capitol building and setting up barricades on surrounding avenues. Reinforcements from various law enforcement agencies, including the Baltimore Police, New York City Police, and Department of Homeland Security, were present. Amtrak police and U.S. Park Police were also deployed at Union Station.
While the main protest site west of the Capitol remained peaceful, some smaller groups clashed with police near the Capitol and Union Station. Incidents included burning an effigy of Mr. Netanyahu and setting fire to an American flag. Fifteen protesters were arrested by the Capitol Police and Washington Metropolitan Police at different locations across the city.
Hours before Mr. Netanyahu’s speech, demonstrators near the National Gallery of Art waved Palestinian flags, wore kaffiyehs, and carried banners calling for an end to American aid for Israel and the conflict. Signs branding Mr. Netanyahu as a war criminal were also displayed.
