At least one person was arrested when demonstrators calling for a cease-fire in Gaza “illegally and violently” protested outside the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee on Wednesday night, U.S. Capitol Police said.
Lawmakers who were inside the building in Southeast D.C. for a fundraiser said on X, formerly Twitter, that Capitol police evacuated them from the building. Capitol Police said that all members of Congress were evacuated from the area.
Demonstration organizers said at least 100 participants suffered injuries after being pepper-sprayed and pushed by police. Six officers suffered injuries after being pepper-sprayed and punched, police said on social media.
Organizers for Jewish Voice for Peace Action, which describes itself as the largest progressive Jewish anti-Zionist organization in the world, said protesters arrived outside the DNC building at 430 South Capitol St. SE about 7 p.m. after a candlelight vigil at 3rd Street and Maryland Avenue SW.
Demonstration organizer Dani Noble disputed the police account that protesters engaged in violent activity and said that they gathered peacefully at the entrance to engage lawmakers. She said that police shoved demonstrators and pulled them away from the entrance.
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Demonstrator Sumaya Awad, a member of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America, said participants had just locked arms in front of the building when police responded “with brute force. They gave us no warning.”
One person was pushed over a railing and fell on their head, Awad said. There were multiple calls for medics, she said.
Capitol Police spokespeople could not be reached for comment, but the agency said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that “our officers are working to keep back approximately 150 people who are illegally and violently protesting in the area of Canal Street and Ivy Street, SE.”
The demonstration was one of several across the nation since the attack on Israel by Hamas on Oct. 7 and Israel’s blockade and recurring strikes against Gaza.
correction
An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that protesters held a vigil at the corner of South Capitol and D streets. The vigil was at 3rd Street and Maryland Avenue SW. The article has been corrected.
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