Anti-Israel protesters gathered outside the White House, chanting slogans like “Ceasefire Now” and “Free, Free Palestine” while waving Palestinian flags. Participants in the demonstration damaged security fencing and threw objects at police.
Happening now! Hundreds of thousands march on the White House in solidarity with Palestine pic.twitter.com/VnFk95Luq9
— BreakThrough News (@BTnewsroom) January 13, 2024
A chant referencing strikes against the Houthis in Yemen was also heard. The protest occurred as President Biden was at Camp David. The U.S. Secret Service reported damage to some fences, leading to the temporary relocation of staff and journalists. The Secret Service repaired the damaged fencing on-site.
The White House stated, “The Secret Service made no arrests associated with the march, and there was no property damage to the White House or adjacent buildings.”
At the White House for Palestine! pic.twitter.com/kxZZ9RwBSx
— Tim Shorrock (@TimothyS) January 14, 2024
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith condemned illegal behavior, emphasizing the right to peaceful protest but stating that violence and criminal activities would not be tolerated. Some officers were reportedly assaulted in Lafayette Park during the demonstration.
The protest comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, marked by strikes against the Houthis in Yemen.
TRYING TO BREACH WH: At what point will the White House call this an insurrection? #WashingtonDC #Washington #Israel #Hamas #Palestine #Protest #Gaza pic.twitter.com/5bkHMIyKzb
— Jonathan Choe Journalist (Seattle) (@choeshow) January 14, 2024
