(LibertySons.org) – On October 18, protesters once again gathered in Washington, D.C., to call for change by “storming the capitol.” This time, they were focused on a key issue that lies beyond America’s borders: the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The event, organized by activism groups Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow, started at the nearby National Mall sometime shortly before noon. The group of approximately 10,000 people eventually moved to the Cannon House rotunda a short time later.
Many of the attendees shouted and waved signs, while others sang and chanted. All were calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Some more specifically hoped the demonstration would pressure Israel into agreeing to stop what they call ethnic cleansing in Palestine.
The exact number of participants in the protest remains difficult to confirm. Representatives for Jewish Voice for Peace claimed a turnout of approximately 10,000 in a post shared to X, formerly known as Twitter.
Ten thousand people are outside, while 500 are inside to demand an end to the Israeli and U.S. government's genocide in Gaza with a #CeasefireNOW!
Ceasefire is the least we can do to challenge the Israeli government's ongoing ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. pic.twitter.com/VV5iNDkpCc
— Jewish Voice for Peace (@jvplive) October 18, 2023
However, other independent reports and some eyewitness accounts suggested that the number was significantly lower — possibly even in the hundreds.
Capitol Police, who were made aware of the impending event in the days leading up to it, enacted a number of safety precautions the night before. These measures included fencing and warnings to demonstrators that protest activities weren’t permitted inside the buildings.
The protest was initially peaceful, albeit lively. But by early afternoon, an estimated 300 people had made their way inside. Capitol Police began closing nearby roads and removing people from the Cannon building rotunda at around 3 p.m. in an effort to squash the protest.
Arrests in the Canon Rotunda and the rolling road closures are ongoing.
Amongst these arrests, three people have been arrested and charged with Assault on a Police Officer during processing.
— The U.S. Capitol Police (@CapitolPolice) October 18, 2023
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene called the event an “insurrection” and said protestors blocked off critical areas and exits. She also claimed they obstructed proceedings within the House. She has since requested that Capitol Police preserve all evidence related to the event.
I am formally requesting that the United States Capitol Police preserve all video surveillance footage, photographic evidence, police reports, and arrest records from all House Office Buildings on October 18, 2023.@CapitolPolice pic.twitter.com/MJ8DaRehy4
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) October 18, 2023
According to statements provided directly to Fox News, Capitol Police arrested a total of 300 people before the protest finally dissolved. However, Jewish Voice for Peace put the total at 500 instead. Agents charged most of the demonstrators with illegally protesting inside a House office building. Three individuals are facing charges of assaulting a police officer.
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