Pro-Palestinian protesters broke down the supplemental security fencing placed around the White House this weekend during a raucous protest. The demonstrations sparked a partial evacuation of White House staff just one day after pro-Yemen protesters chanted anti-American and anti-Israel slogans in New York City.
Thousands of protesters marched in Washington D.C. Saturday against Israel’s campaign against the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza. Protesters carried a variety of signs, including those accusing President Joe Biden of supporting ‘genocide.”
The protesters breached some of the additional fencing placed around the White House perimeter. According to law enforcement, the fence was quickly repaired by the U.S. Secret Service.
The agency added that “some members of the media and staff in proximity to Pennsylvania Avenue were temporarily relocated while the issue was being addressed.”
The Secret Service added that it had arrested no protesters and that there was “no property damage to the White House or adjacent buildings.”
The Washington Metropolitan Police added that there were cases of “illegal and destructive behavior in Lafayette Park, including items being thrown at our officers.” The police agency added that “violence, destructive behavior and criminal activities are not tolerated.”
Events at Lafayette Park and around the White House complex have concluded. We'd like to thank @DCPoliceDept @AlertDC @dcfireems @CapitolPolice @DC_HSEMA @usparkpolicepio for their assistance. pic.twitter.com/gNoMbKZ7aW
— Anthony Guglielmi (@SecretSvcSpox) January 14, 2024
Following the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October there have been a number of significant demonstrations across the country. Some of the pro-Palestinian demonstrators have shut down major roadways in Boston, Los Angeles and New York.
In other cases, the protesters have defaced and vandalized a number of symbolic sites. This included a building of the New York Public Library and a Los Angeles veterans’ cemetery.
Over the weekend, protesters against U.S.-led strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen marched through New York City. The protesters often linked the Houthi and Palestinian causes.
Since the start of the conflict, the Houthi rebels have launched a number of drone and missile attacks against Israel itself, civilian shipping and U.S. Navy vessels. The attacks prompted the American and British strikes on Yemen last week.
