Police Evacuate Democratic National Committee Amid Violent Protests
On November 15, 2023, Capitol Police were forced to evacuate all members from the Democratic National Committee in Washington, D.C. as 150 protesters, described as “illegally and violently” protesting, gathered outside the building. The protests took place during a multi-denominational event hosted by the Democratic Socialists of America, IfNotNow Movement, and Jewish Voice for Peace calling for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.
Police officers, wearing gas masks, worked to keep watch outside the DNC headquarters as they made arrests to control the situation. Social media postings indicated that the protesters were calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East.
Congressman Brad Sherman, D-Calif., revealed that he was inside the DNC when the evacuation took place. Congressman Sean Casten, D-Ill., also reported being evacuated from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee office after it was surrounded by protesters.
In a phone interview with ABC News, Congressman Sherman stated that approximately seven members of Congress were inside the building when they were evacuated by heavily armed U.S. Capitol Police officers. The forum attended by Democratic leadership, including minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Pete Aguilar, was disrupted by the protests. Sherman mentioned that the members inside the room heard chants of “cease-fire now,” and they initially expected the protesters to leave after 10 or 15 minutes.
The situation remains fluid and is a developing story. Please check back for updates on this ongoing protest.