Hundreds Arrested in U.S. House Office Building Protest for Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas War
Washington D.C. – On Wednesday afternoon, hundreds of individuals were arrested after staging a demonstration inside a U.S. House office building, demanding an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. According to officials from the U.S. Capitol Police, everyone who entered the Cannon House Office Building went through security screenings as required. However, demonstrations are strictly prohibited inside congressional buildings.
The protesters, including rabbis, passionately expressed their demands from the main floor and several balconies of the building. They sang, prayed, held signs and banners, and chanted “Ceasefire now!” A significant number of participants wore black T-shirts displaying the message, “Jews Say Ceasefire Now.”
As of 6 p.m. on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the U.S. Capitol Police reported that approximately 300 people were in custody. Exact numbers were still being determined as officers continued to process the arrests. Among those detained, three have been charged with assault on a police officer during processing.
The demonstration originated from a rally organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, which attracted a massive crowd from the National Mall to the U.S. Capitol earlier in the afternoon. The protest inside the Cannon House Office Building began at approximately 2:30 p.m., with organizers estimating the participation of 300 to 400 protesters.
News4 reporters at the scene stated that the protesters peacefully took over the rotunda in an effort to risk arrest and draw the attention of lawmakers, urging them to support an immediate ceasefire. However, the U.S. Capitol Police warned the protesters to cease their demonstration, and when they did not comply, the arrests began.
Officers from neighboring Fairfax County, Virginia, and Montgomery County, Maryland, were called in to assist with crowd management. Several roads in the area were temporarily closed but have since been reopened.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) issued a statement criticizing the demonstrators’ message, emphasizing that Jewish Voice for Peace does not represent the majority of the Jewish community. The ADL argued that these organizations opposing Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas terrorists are anti-Zionist and challenge Israel’s fundamental right to exist.
The U.S. House and Senate office buildings, including Cannon House, remain open to the public but must adhere to strict security measures. Demonstrations inside such premises are strictly prohibited, as outlined by congressional rules.
As the U.S. Capitol Police continue to process the arrests, the demonstrators’ strong message for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war remains at the forefront of public attention.