November 15, 2023
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Capitol Police officers in riot gear clashed with dozens of demonstrators who gathered outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters in Washington on Wednesday evening to demand a ceasefire in Gaza.
The protest was organized by three advocacy groups and held in an area near the U.S. Capitol. Lawmakers who were inside the DNC building said police had evacuated them from the area.
Protesters linked arms in front of the DNC building's entrance, where some sang: "Which side are you on?" Officers pushed and pulled the protesters to try to remove them from the area, at one point shoving one protester down a staircase leading to the entrance.
Police also used pepper spray and fired projectiles containing chemical irritants.
U.S. Capitol Police said approximately 150 people were "illegally and violently protesting". It said six officers were treated for injuries, ranging from cuts to being pepper sprayed and punched.
"One person has been arrested for assault on an officer," Capitol Police said on social media.
The organizers rejected allegations that demonstrators were violent.
Public demonstrations - both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel - have rippled around the world since Hamas gunmen rampaged through southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people, according to Israel, and taking about 240 hostages back to Gaza.
Israel has retaliated with a strict blockade on Hamas-controlled Gaza, and an aerial bombardment and ground offensive that Palestinian authorities say has killed around 11,500 people, around 40% of them children.
Congressman Sean Casten said he was evacuated from the DNC building after it "was surrounded by protesters who had blocked all modes of ingress and egress."
He added: "We were rescued by armed officers who did not know the protesters’ intent; they knew only that Members of Congress were inside, could not leave and that protesters would not let police through."
A DNC spokesperson said officials were monitoring the situation outside the DNC headquarters and were in touch with U.S. Capitol and local Washington police.
The organizers of the protest were IfNotNow, which urges U.S. Jewish groups to end their support of Israel's policies toward the Palestinians, Jewish Voice for Peace, a group that advocates for Palestinian independence, and the Democratic Socialists of America.
Jewish Voice for Peace wrote on social media that the protesters had gathered to lay out candles for Palestinians killed during Israel's bombardment and to call for a ceasefire.
(Reporting by Leah Millis, Dan Whitcomb and Rami Ayyub; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
Top House Democrats evacuated from DNC headquarters as police clash with protesters calling for Gaza ceasefire
SAM FOSSUM AND MORGAN RIMMER, CNN
November 15, 2023 at 9:55 PM
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Law enforcement clashed with protesters calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war outside of the Washington headquarters of the Democratic National Committee Wednesday night after authorities said the demonstration turned violent and lawmakers were evacuated from the building.
“Tonight 6 officers were treated for injuries – ranging from minor cuts to being pepper sprayed to being punched. One person has been arrested for assault on an officer. We appreciate our officers who kept these illegal & violent protesters back & protected everyone in the area,” US Capitol Police, who responded with DC Metropolitan Police, said in a statement on X.
Officers, according to USCP, had worked “to keep back approximately 150 people who are illegally and violently protesting” in the area – a characterization activist groups later disputed – and escorted members of Congress from the area. Top House Democrats were among those evacuated.
According to a person familiar with the matter, the Democratic leaders — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar, the No. 3 Democrat — were inside as the clash between protesters and police erupted.
About 10 members were there, according to the source, including Suzan DelBene, the chairwoman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell. The members had been meeting with House candidates who were in town for training sessions and to connect with fellow Democrats.
California Rep. Brad Sherman told CNN’s Abby Philip on “NewsNight” that he was among the members evacuated to the Capitol and slammed protesters for “their willingness to attack police.”
“The one point I want to make is, yesterday, there were 200,000 pro-Israel demonstrators, with a permit, entirely peaceful,” Sherman said. “And, here, you have a demonstration, less than 1000th as large, that’s also getting publicity and it’s getting publicity because their willingness to attack police – as they did with pepper spray – is a force multiplier.”
A DNC spokesperson told CNN they were monitoring the situation and had been in touch with Capitol Police and DC Police.
Earlier, a group organized by Jewish Voice for Peace Action, IfNotNow Movement, and Democratic Socialists of America held a candlelight vigil near Capitol Hill, asking Congress to call for ceasefire.
Beth Miller, political director of Jewish Voice for Peace Action, said in a statement Wednesday night that “hundreds of peaceful anti-war activists came to the DNC to call for an end to bombs and violence in order to save Palestinian and Israeli lives.”
“They were met with brutal assaults by the police,” Miller continued. “The Democrats need to decide: will they stand on the side of peace and justice, or will they continue to support war and genocide?”
Eva Borgwardt, IfNotNow’s national spokesperson, said in the statement that “instead of heeding our call for a ceasefire, police violently attacked nonviolent protesters with pepper spray.”
As the gathering outside of the DNC turned tense Wednesday night, with protesters face-to-face with law enforcement, a CNN crew on the scene reported police setting up a barricade around the building.
Just after 9 p.m. ET, Capitol Police sent out an alert saying they had sealed all House office buildings and exits. “All House buildings: Significant demonstration activity, no entry or exit is permitted at this time. You may move throughout the buildings,” it said.
Most members and their staff had already left the House buildings, as the chamber took its last votes before the Thanksgiving recess earlier in the day.
Rep. Sean Casten of Illinois said on social media that he was one of the members of Congress evacuated during the protest, writing that he was “grateful to Capitol Police for getting all members and staff out safely.”
“You have the Constitutional right to peaceably assemble and protest. But blocking all entries to a building with multiple members of Congress in it, protected by Capitol Police officers who have lived through January 6 is putting you and other innocent people at risk,” he added.
CNN’s Manu Raju and Kaanita Iyer contributed to this report.
SAM FOSSUM AND MORGAN RIMMER, CNN
November 15, 2023 at 9:55 PM
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Law enforcement clashed with protesters calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war outside of the Washington headquarters of the Democratic National Committee Wednesday night after authorities said the demonstration turned violent and lawmakers were evacuated from the building.
“Tonight 6 officers were treated for injuries – ranging from minor cuts to being pepper sprayed to being punched. One person has been arrested for assault on an officer. We appreciate our officers who kept these illegal & violent protesters back & protected everyone in the area,” US Capitol Police, who responded with DC Metropolitan Police, said in a statement on X.
Officers, according to USCP, had worked “to keep back approximately 150 people who are illegally and violently protesting” in the area – a characterization activist groups later disputed – and escorted members of Congress from the area. Top House Democrats were among those evacuated.
According to a person familiar with the matter, the Democratic leaders — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Pete Aguilar, the No. 3 Democrat — were inside as the clash between protesters and police erupted.
About 10 members were there, according to the source, including Suzan DelBene, the chairwoman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and Michigan Rep. Debbie Dingell. The members had been meeting with House candidates who were in town for training sessions and to connect with fellow Democrats.
California Rep. Brad Sherman told CNN’s Abby Philip on “NewsNight” that he was among the members evacuated to the Capitol and slammed protesters for “their willingness to attack police.”
“The one point I want to make is, yesterday, there were 200,000 pro-Israel demonstrators, with a permit, entirely peaceful,” Sherman said. “And, here, you have a demonstration, less than 1000th as large, that’s also getting publicity and it’s getting publicity because their willingness to attack police – as they did with pepper spray – is a force multiplier.”
A DNC spokesperson told CNN they were monitoring the situation and had been in touch with Capitol Police and DC Police.
Earlier, a group organized by Jewish Voice for Peace Action, IfNotNow Movement, and Democratic Socialists of America held a candlelight vigil near Capitol Hill, asking Congress to call for ceasefire.
Beth Miller, political director of Jewish Voice for Peace Action, said in a statement Wednesday night that “hundreds of peaceful anti-war activists came to the DNC to call for an end to bombs and violence in order to save Palestinian and Israeli lives.”
“They were met with brutal assaults by the police,” Miller continued. “The Democrats need to decide: will they stand on the side of peace and justice, or will they continue to support war and genocide?”
Eva Borgwardt, IfNotNow’s national spokesperson, said in the statement that “instead of heeding our call for a ceasefire, police violently attacked nonviolent protesters with pepper spray.”
As the gathering outside of the DNC turned tense Wednesday night, with protesters face-to-face with law enforcement, a CNN crew on the scene reported police setting up a barricade around the building.
Just after 9 p.m. ET, Capitol Police sent out an alert saying they had sealed all House office buildings and exits. “All House buildings: Significant demonstration activity, no entry or exit is permitted at this time. You may move throughout the buildings,” it said.
Most members and their staff had already left the House buildings, as the chamber took its last votes before the Thanksgiving recess earlier in the day.
Rep. Sean Casten of Illinois said on social media that he was one of the members of Congress evacuated during the protest, writing that he was “grateful to Capitol Police for getting all members and staff out safely.”
“You have the Constitutional right to peaceably assemble and protest. But blocking all entries to a building with multiple members of Congress in it, protected by Capitol Police officers who have lived through January 6 is putting you and other innocent people at risk,” he added.
CNN’s Manu Raju and Kaanita Iyer contributed to this report.
Police and pro-Palestinian demonstrators clash at DNC headquarters
REBECCA COHEN AND FRANK THORP V AND REBECCA KAPLAN AND KELLY O'DONNELL AND GARY GRUMBACH
November 15, 2023
Alex Wong
Police said they evacuated the area around the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee in Washington, D.C., after making arrests at a chaotic pro-Palestinian rally Wednesday night.
U.S. Capitol Police said on X that a "large group of illegal protesters...have cleared out, but USCP officers will stay on scene out of an abundance of caution." They previously put the number of demonstrators at about 150 and said they were "violently protesting in the area."
Six officers were treated for injuries as a result of the demonstration, and one person was arrested and accused of assault on an officer, Capitol Police said on X.
Capitol Police said in a separate notice to reporters that they had restricted entry and exit to the nearby House office buildings.
"We’re monitoring the situation outside the DNC and are in touch with USCP and Metro Police, who are directing the security response," A DNC spokesperson said in a statement.
Numerous lawmakers were in the DNC headquarters when the protest erupted.
The top three House Democratic leaders were all inside the DNC headquarters as protests started outside tonight, according to a source familiar with the group of lawmakers attending the DNC event.
Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar were in the building with other Democrats for a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) candidate week leadership reception, according to a source familiar with the group of lawmakers attending the DNC event.
The source did not say how long the lawmakers were inside.
Spokespeople for Jeffries and Aguilar would not comment on members in attendance, and Clark’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
Capitol Police said that all lawmakers were moved from the area for their safety.
IfNotNow, a group that describes itself as “American Jews organizing our community to end U.S. support for Israel’s apartheid system,” said it was at the protest, and accused officers of being violent toward demonstrators.
“BREAKING: Police are being extremely violent outside @TheDemocrats headquarters,” the group posted on X. “We are linking arms, threatening no one, and begging our politicians to support an end to the killing and the suffering in Gaza. Begging, peacefully, for a ceasefire. And this is the response.”
Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., posted on X that he was evacuated from the DNC "after pro-terrorist, anti-#Israel protestors grew violent, pepper spraying police officers and attempting to break into the building."
NBC News hasn't independently verified Sherman's characterization of the protest. Capitol Police didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on his remark about pepper spray being used on police. The Metropolitan Police Department also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
IfNotNow spokesperson Eva Borgwardt said in a statement that Sherman's account was inaccurate, adding that the congressman was " spreading dangerous and reckless misinformation about our nonviolent movement."
"Calling hundreds of progressive Jews fighting for peace, many of whom have family members in Israel, 'pro-Hamas' is beyond the pale and the Congressman should apologize for his remarks," Borgwardt said.
She added that the protest was "nonviolent" and a "moral act of civil disobedience to call on Democrats to support a cease-fire and an end to our government’s funding of violence against Palestinian civilians by Netanyahu’s far-right government."
Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., posted on X that he was “rescued” from the DNC building by “armed officers” who “did not know the protestors’ intent; they knew only that Members of Congress were inside, could not leave and that protestors would not let police through.”
“Forcing police to guess intent is irresponsible and dangerous,” Casten added.
Video posted to social media appeared to show protesters wearing shirts emblazoned with "CEASE FIRE NOW" clashing with officers on the steps of the DNC, who appeared to be working to remove demonstrators from the scene.
The protest comes a day after thousands gathered in Washington for a March for Israel rally against antisemitism.
The security level for Tuesday's event was raised to the highest designation. There were no immediate reports of arrests or counterdemonstrations.
Police and protesters clash outside Democratic HQ during demonstration over Israel-Hamas war
MIKE PESOLI AND CHRIS MEGERIAN
November 15, 2023 a
WASHINGTON (AP) — Police and protesters clashed outside Democratic National Committee headquarters on Wednesday night during a demonstration for a cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas, the latest reflection of boiling tensions over the bloody conflict.
Scores of Democratic representatives and candidates, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, were inside the building for a campaign reception when it was interrupted by chanting outside. Protesters said they wanted to block entrances and exits to force politicians to encounter their candlelight vigil and their calls for an end to the fighting. Many of them wore black shirts saying “Cease Fire Now.”
However, the situation swiftly devolved. U.S. Capitol Police said about 150 people were “illegally and violently protesting” in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington. But protesters blamed police for the violence, saying officers rushed them without warning.
“It is shameful the way that nonviolent protesters and members of our community were met with violence tonight," said Dani Noble, who came from Philadelphia for the demonstration. "It is absolutely shameful.”
Noble said police, some of whom were wearing riot gear, started “pulling on folks that are disabled or have have chronic illnesses, pulling people to the ground.”
Inside the Democratic headquarters, police rushed into the reception and directed lawmakers to the basement, according to Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif. Some were later evacuated in police vehicles.
Capitol Police said six officers were treated for minor injuries and one protester was arrested for assaulting an officer. Video posted on social media showed shoving and scuffles as police moved in.
The Metropolitan Police Department said its officers also responded to the disturbance. Congressional staffers received an alert telling them no one would be permitted to enter or exit any House office buildings, but authorities later reopened the entrances.
Sherman accused protesters of trying to break into the Democratic headquarters in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. However, protesters denied that was their intention.
The protest was organized by a coalition of groups, including If Not Now and Jewish Voice for Peace Action, that have spearheaded other demonstrations in Washington and elsewhere.
Wednesday's clashes were the latest example of roiling tensions over the war between Israel and Hamas.
Last week, a large number of House Democrats joined nearly all Republicans in voting to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress, over her criticism of the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians. Tlaib, who has family in the West Bank, came under heavy criticism for not immediately condemning Hamas after the attack. She since has called out the militant group while also calling for a cease-fire.
President Joe Biden has also faced increasing pressure from the Democratic Party’s left flank over his support for Israel’s military operation. He has resisted calls for a cease-fire, instead saying there should be pauses in the fighting to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the potential extraction of hostages.
Among the participants Wednesday night was Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg, who interrupted Biden's speech at a recent fundraiser in Minneapolis.
She said Democrats are “not listening to the people who they claim to represent," adding that "actions like this are only going to increase.”
“We are not slowing down," she said. "The call for a ceasefire is going to keep growing. And our representatives need to take action, yesterday.”
__
Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri, Mary Clare Jalonick, Lisa Mascaro and Michael Balsamo contributed to this report.
MIKE PESOLI AND CHRIS MEGERIAN
November 15, 2023 a
WASHINGTON (AP) — Police and protesters clashed outside Democratic National Committee headquarters on Wednesday night during a demonstration for a cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas, the latest reflection of boiling tensions over the bloody conflict.
Scores of Democratic representatives and candidates, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, were inside the building for a campaign reception when it was interrupted by chanting outside. Protesters said they wanted to block entrances and exits to force politicians to encounter their candlelight vigil and their calls for an end to the fighting. Many of them wore black shirts saying “Cease Fire Now.”
However, the situation swiftly devolved. U.S. Capitol Police said about 150 people were “illegally and violently protesting” in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington. But protesters blamed police for the violence, saying officers rushed them without warning.
“It is shameful the way that nonviolent protesters and members of our community were met with violence tonight," said Dani Noble, who came from Philadelphia for the demonstration. "It is absolutely shameful.”
Noble said police, some of whom were wearing riot gear, started “pulling on folks that are disabled or have have chronic illnesses, pulling people to the ground.”
Inside the Democratic headquarters, police rushed into the reception and directed lawmakers to the basement, according to Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif. Some were later evacuated in police vehicles.
Capitol Police said six officers were treated for minor injuries and one protester was arrested for assaulting an officer. Video posted on social media showed shoving and scuffles as police moved in.
The Metropolitan Police Department said its officers also responded to the disturbance. Congressional staffers received an alert telling them no one would be permitted to enter or exit any House office buildings, but authorities later reopened the entrances.
Sherman accused protesters of trying to break into the Democratic headquarters in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. However, protesters denied that was their intention.
The protest was organized by a coalition of groups, including If Not Now and Jewish Voice for Peace Action, that have spearheaded other demonstrations in Washington and elsewhere.
Wednesday's clashes were the latest example of roiling tensions over the war between Israel and Hamas.
Last week, a large number of House Democrats joined nearly all Republicans in voting to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress, over her criticism of the Israeli government’s treatment of Palestinians. Tlaib, who has family in the West Bank, came under heavy criticism for not immediately condemning Hamas after the attack. She since has called out the militant group while also calling for a cease-fire.
President Joe Biden has also faced increasing pressure from the Democratic Party’s left flank over his support for Israel’s military operation. He has resisted calls for a cease-fire, instead saying there should be pauses in the fighting to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the potential extraction of hostages.
Among the participants Wednesday night was Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg, who interrupted Biden's speech at a recent fundraiser in Minneapolis.
She said Democrats are “not listening to the people who they claim to represent," adding that "actions like this are only going to increase.”
“We are not slowing down," she said. "The call for a ceasefire is going to keep growing. And our representatives need to take action, yesterday.”
__
Associated Press writers Farnoush Amiri, Mary Clare Jalonick, Lisa Mascaro and Michael Balsamo contributed to this report.
Pro-Palestinian violent protest erupts outside DNC headquarters in Washington DC, Capitol police injured
SARAH RUMPF-WHITTEN, ADAM SABES, KELLEY KRAMER, MICHAEL RUIZ
November 15, 2023
Police in the nation's capital responded to the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee as pro-Palestinian demonstrators grew violent as they called for an immediate cease-fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) said about 150 people were "illegally and violently protesting" near the DNC headquarters building in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington.
Protesters told Fox News Digital that there were 300 people protesting the war.
"Officers are making arrests," USCP said on X. It advised people to stay away from the area.
Members of U.S. Capitol Police take a protester away from the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee during a demonstration against the war between Israel and Hamas on November 15, 2023 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
Protesters block the entrance of the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee during a demonstration against the war between Israel and Hamas on November 15, 2023 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
USCP confirmed on X that six officers were injured during the clash on Wednesday evening.
Authorities said that the officers suffered injuries ranging from minor cuts, pepper spray burns or being punched by protesters who turned violent alongside peaceful protesters.
Approximately 150 officers and at least 50 police cruisers from The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were seen at the protest, with videos showing protesters violently clashing with officers.
Videos on social media showed protesters shoving police officers and trying to grab hold of metal barricades at the DNC headquarters as the officers forcefully removed the individuals.
The U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department did not immediately confirm to Fox News Digital how many protesters were arrested during the evening.
The group was heard shouting "Ceasefire Now!" while standing against officers.
Protesters included members of If Not Now and Jewish Voice for Peace, who have organized other demonstrations in Washington D.C. since Hamas' unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7.
Many of the protesters were wearing black shirts that read "Cease Fire Now."
Olivia, a protester at the DNC headquarters, insisted that the protesters were peaceful.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, a pro-Palestinian protester insisted that they were peacefully protesting, and that officers were reacting violently.
"We were peacefully saying, ‘ceasefire now,’ and the cops violently pushed us to the ground, threw us to the ground," Olivia said. "The violence happening around the world is happening in our backyard."
The protester declined to share how the protesters were organizing, saying that they were "concerned citizens."
"We're demanding a ceasefire now," Olivia said. "Eleven-thousand people have been murdered. Millions of our taxpayer dollars go to Israel to carry out this genocide."
Members of U.S. Capitol Police lead protesters away from the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee during a demonstration against the war between Israel and Hamas on November 15, 2023 in Washington D.C.
Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., told The Associated Press that initially about 100 people — House leaders, lawmakers and Democratic candidates running for the House — were at a reception at party headquarters, and speeches were interrupted by the chants outside.
About seven lawmakers were huddled in the basement and evacuated into police SUVs.
Sherman took to social media following his evacuation, calling the protestors "pro-Hamas."
"Was just evacuated from the DNC after pro-terrorist, anti-Israel protestors grew violent, pepper spraying police officers and attempting to break into the building. Thankful to the police officers who stopped them and for helping me and my colleagues get out safely," Sherman wrote in an X post.
"Apparently, these pro-Hamas demonstrators want Republicans to prevail in the next Congressional election," Sherman added.
Illinois Rep. Sean Casten wrote that he was also evacuated from the DNC headquarters, thanking police for safely evacuating the members of Congress.
Former Michigan Representative and Senate candidate Peter Meijer was quick to point out the difference between the protesters at the DNC and the "March for Israel" event on Tuesday.
"A quarter-million folks rallying on the Mall yesterday to support Israel? Peaceful, orderly, strong," Meijer wrote. "Two hundred anti-Israel protesters outside DNC tonight? Chaos, weakness, Capitol buildings locked down. Says a lot!"
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton wrote that President Joe Biden should treat the "pro-Hamas insurrectionists" the same as they have treated the January 6 cases.
"Biden admin must use every law-enforcement tactic against these pro-Hamas insurrectionists that it has used in the January 6 cases," Sen. Cotton wrote on X. "Track them down, arrest them, convict them, and lock ‘em up."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
SARAH RUMPF-WHITTEN, ADAM SABES, KELLEY KRAMER, MICHAEL RUIZ
November 15, 2023
Police in the nation's capital responded to the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee as pro-Palestinian demonstrators grew violent as they called for an immediate cease-fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) said about 150 people were "illegally and violently protesting" near the DNC headquarters building in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington.
Protesters told Fox News Digital that there were 300 people protesting the war.
"Officers are making arrests," USCP said on X. It advised people to stay away from the area.
Members of U.S. Capitol Police take a protester away from the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee during a demonstration against the war between Israel and Hamas on November 15, 2023 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
Protesters block the entrance of the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee during a demonstration against the war between Israel and Hamas on November 15, 2023 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
USCP confirmed on X that six officers were injured during the clash on Wednesday evening.
Authorities said that the officers suffered injuries ranging from minor cuts, pepper spray burns or being punched by protesters who turned violent alongside peaceful protesters.
Approximately 150 officers and at least 50 police cruisers from The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were seen at the protest, with videos showing protesters violently clashing with officers.
Videos on social media showed protesters shoving police officers and trying to grab hold of metal barricades at the DNC headquarters as the officers forcefully removed the individuals.
The U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department did not immediately confirm to Fox News Digital how many protesters were arrested during the evening.
The group was heard shouting "Ceasefire Now!" while standing against officers.
Protesters included members of If Not Now and Jewish Voice for Peace, who have organized other demonstrations in Washington D.C. since Hamas' unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7.
Many of the protesters were wearing black shirts that read "Cease Fire Now."
Olivia, a protester at the DNC headquarters, insisted that the protesters were peaceful.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, a pro-Palestinian protester insisted that they were peacefully protesting, and that officers were reacting violently.
"We were peacefully saying, ‘ceasefire now,’ and the cops violently pushed us to the ground, threw us to the ground," Olivia said. "The violence happening around the world is happening in our backyard."
The protester declined to share how the protesters were organizing, saying that they were "concerned citizens."
"We're demanding a ceasefire now," Olivia said. "Eleven-thousand people have been murdered. Millions of our taxpayer dollars go to Israel to carry out this genocide."
Members of U.S. Capitol Police lead protesters away from the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee during a demonstration against the war between Israel and Hamas on November 15, 2023 in Washington D.C.
Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., told The Associated Press that initially about 100 people — House leaders, lawmakers and Democratic candidates running for the House — were at a reception at party headquarters, and speeches were interrupted by the chants outside.
About seven lawmakers were huddled in the basement and evacuated into police SUVs.
Sherman took to social media following his evacuation, calling the protestors "pro-Hamas."
"Was just evacuated from the DNC after pro-terrorist, anti-Israel protestors grew violent, pepper spraying police officers and attempting to break into the building. Thankful to the police officers who stopped them and for helping me and my colleagues get out safely," Sherman wrote in an X post.
"Apparently, these pro-Hamas demonstrators want Republicans to prevail in the next Congressional election," Sherman added.
Illinois Rep. Sean Casten wrote that he was also evacuated from the DNC headquarters, thanking police for safely evacuating the members of Congress.
Former Michigan Representative and Senate candidate Peter Meijer was quick to point out the difference between the protesters at the DNC and the "March for Israel" event on Tuesday.
"A quarter-million folks rallying on the Mall yesterday to support Israel? Peaceful, orderly, strong," Meijer wrote. "Two hundred anti-Israel protesters outside DNC tonight? Chaos, weakness, Capitol buildings locked down. Says a lot!"
Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton wrote that President Joe Biden should treat the "pro-Hamas insurrectionists" the same as they have treated the January 6 cases.
"Biden admin must use every law-enforcement tactic against these pro-Hamas insurrectionists that it has used in the January 6 cases," Sen. Cotton wrote on X. "Track them down, arrest them, convict them, and lock ‘em up."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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