WASHINGTON — People gathered near D.C.'s Union Station for a pro-Palestine protest Friday evening. Hundreds of people were expected to take part in the protest, which began at 4:30 p.m.
Many of the people who attended the rally have family in Gaza and called for a ceasefire, hoping their message will put an end to the Israel-Hama war.
"There is a way around, to live with each other better than the war," one protester told WUSA9.
Another protester remembered attending pro-Palestine gatherings when she was 7 years old and now she is bringing her young daughter along.
"After so many years, I'm still here protesting. I was [my daughter's] age when I went to the first protest and here I am bringing my daughter and that's why I'm crying," the protester said through tears. "Because my daughter has to be here when at her age, I was here too and nothing has changed, not a single thing."
The main entrance to Union Station was taped off as officers stood by the doors. The protest comes just days after a standoff between U.S. Capitol Police and protesters outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Southeast D.C. Wednesday night.
MPD Chief Pamela A. Smith released a statement regarding the protest late Friday night, claiming that officers witnessed several people defacing property with paint. Three people were arrested and charged with defacing public property and the paint was cleaned up.
"The District of Columbia has a long and proud history of peaceful First Amendment assembly, and the Metropolitan Police Department handles hundreds of protests, demonstrations, and other events every year," said Smith. "We will continue to support those who choose to protest peacefully and safely, and we will continue to hold accountable those who commit criminal acts while in our city.”
Red Line Metro service between Massachusetts Avenue and North Capitol Street was impacted for a short time and required a shuttle bus service to help riders. It has since returned to normal operations.
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