Anti-Israel demonstrators descended on Washington, D.C., on Wednesday ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress.
One demonstrator, whose face was covered, was spotted by Fox News carrying what appeared to be the flag of the terrorist group Hamas.
Fox News estimates that a few hundred protesters had gathered on Pennsylvania Avenue and 3rd Street, outside the Gallery of Art. They have a stage set up in front of the Capitol building and are currently chanting.
The protest organizers include Answer Coalition and Code Pink. There have been numerous speakers from various organizations, including one from the Party for Socialism and Liberation.
Fox News crews witnessed numerous signs with Netanyahu’s face, labeling him a “Wanted War Criminal.”
Other slogans on signs include, “Stop the Genocide,” “Stop arming Israel,” and “End all US Aid.”
The crowds have chanted “Free Palestine” and “From the river to the sea…,” an antisemitic phrase that calls for the elimination of the state of Israel.
Some protesters yelled at the police line, “You’re a b—-.” Fox News witnessed pepper spray being used at one point.
U.S. Capitol Police said five people were arrested after disrupting the joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday afternoon.
“All of them were immediately removed from the Gallery and arrested,” Capitol Police said in a post on X. “Disrupting the Congress and demonstrating in the Congressional Buildings is against the law.”
Earlier, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department officers were seen clearing anti-Israel protesters who were blocking traffic in the nation’s capital on Wednesday.
Police have taken people into custody near the U.S. Capitol, the Associated Press reported.
A handful of people were led away by officers, while others chanted for them to be released.
More than 1,000 people gathered Wednesday morning on Pennsylvania Avenue within sight of the Capitol building, the AP reported.
A large group of protesters marched toward the Capitol after blocking a nearby intersection and calling for a “student intifada.”
