In Washington, D.C., a large protest took place against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress. Pro-Hamas agitators gathered near Union Station, with one spotted carrying a Hamas flag. American flags were ripped down and burned, and an effigy of Netanyahu was set on fire. The protest turned chaotic, with vandalism and arrests occurring.
Senator Marco Rubio condemned the vandalism by foreign nationals, expressing that those on visas should not be supporting terrorist organizations like Hamas. An unnamed patriot bravely rescued a fragment of the burning American flag from the hands of the agitators. The man, who worked near Union Station, risked his safety to save a piece of Old Glory from destruction.
Efforts to calm the unruly crowd were made by law enforcement agencies, resulting in multiple arrests. The United States Park Police reported significant damage to park property, including vandalism of statues and flags. Charges against those arrested included Assault on a Police Officer and Crossing a Police Line.
Actress Susan Sarandon addressed the protesters, emphasizing the rejection of genocide and standing in solidarity with Palestine. However, the White House condemned the protesters, stating that identifying with terrorist organizations like Hamas and burning the American flag is unacceptable.
Rep. Roger Williams and Rep. Brian Mast voiced their support for Israel and the American flag, condemning the actions of the agitators. Netanyahu, in his address to Congress, criticized the protesters and accused Iran of funding the demonstrations.
The chaos extended to the Watergate Hotel, where anti-Israel agitators released larvae in protest of Netanyahu’s stay. The Palestinian Youth Movement’s DMV chapter claimed responsibility for the act, causing disruption and chaos in the hotel.
Overall, the protest against Netanyahu’s visit to Congress was marked by vandalism, arrests, and confrontations. The actions of the agitators and the responses from various officials and activists reflect the complex and contentious nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.