WASHINGTON — Two people have been arrested for assaulting an officer following Saturday’s March for Palestine in D.C.
On Saturday, American Muslims for Palestine organized an event on Freedom Plaza, followed by a march to Lafayette Square across from the White House. Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators from different faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds attended the march demanding President Biden support an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The majority of the demonstration was peaceful, according to D.C. Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith. But around 3:30 p.m., two adults were arrested in the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue in Northwest for assault on a police officer and disorderly conduct.
“The right to peacefully protest is one of the cornerstones of our democracy, and the Metropolitan Police Department has long supported those who visit our city to demonstrate safely. However, violence, destructive behavior, and criminal activities are not tolerated.” The chief said in a statement released just after 8:30 p.m.
Police say there were a few instances of illegal and destructive behavior in Lafayette Park. Reports say a portion of the anti-scale fencing was damaged. The fence has since been fixed.
“We are supporting our partners at the United States Park Police as they investigate and hold those found responsible accountable for their actions.” Chief Smith continued in the statement.
At this time police have not released the identities of those arrested.