WASHINGTON — More than 40 people staged a protest inside the Hart Senate Office Building Monday calling for a free Palestine. U.S. Capitol Police said of the dozens arrested, one person was arrested for resisting arrest.
According to authorities, the group of demonstrators arrived just after 10 a.m. Video from inside the building shows protesters standing with linked arms and singing songs, while officers warn them that they will be arrested if they do not leave.
The protesters held signs and wore shirts that expressed their support for the Palestinian people. Several signs read "Stop arming Israel." A large banner carried the message: "'Aid' to Israel = bombing Palestinians"
Protesters were also seen laying on the ground as part of a "die in" protest. Several of those protesters were taken into custody while others chanted, "Ceasefire now."
Capitol Police said most of those brought into custody were arrested for violating DC Code 22-1307 (Crowding, Obstructing, or Incommoding), which prohibits illegal demonstrations on the Capitol Grounds. One person climbed a statue in the atrium. He was arrested separately for resisting arrest.
In a staement, USCP said they would provide final numbers on the arrests later Monday.
Israeli forces battled Palestinian militants in Gaza's two largest cities on Monday, with civilians still trapped in the fighting even after hundreds of thousands have fled to other parts of the besieged territory.
Israel has pledged to keep fighting until it removes Hamas from power, dismantles its military capabilities and returns all of the hostages taken by militants during Hamas' Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel that ignited the war.
The U.S. has provided unwavering diplomatic and military support for the campaign, even as it has urged Israel to minimize civilian casualties and further mass displacement. The war has killed thousands of civilians and driven nearly 85% of the territory's 2.3 million people from their homes.
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