President Joe Biden's campaign touting access to abortion derailed Tuesday after pro-Palestinian protesters repeatedly interrupted his speech.
Biden's speech was interrupted five times in about four minutes as pro-Palestinian protesters repeatedly shouted at the president. But each time, chants of “Four more years” and “Joe, let's go” drowned out the protesters. Demonstrators are believed to have interrupted Biden about 10 times during his speech.
“How many children have you killed?” one demonstrator, carrying a Palestinian flag, shouted as protesters cheered.
Shortly after, another protester interrupted the president's remarks, shouting, “Israel is killing two mothers in an hour.”
As the president continued speaking, two more protesters began shouting again.
Biden paused each time he was interrupted, ending the conversation with “four more years” and “let's go Joe.”
The president told those in attendance, “I'm sorry it took so long.”
“This is going to be going on for a while. They're planning this,” Biden said after another interruption.
Breaking news: Pro-Gaza protesters excluded from Biden rally… 'Massacre Joe' will be erased in '4 more years'
— Christian Datuk (@TocRadio) January 23, 2024
Other protesters chanted “Stop funding genocide” and “Genocide Joe must go.”
The Biden administration has expressed support for Israel since Hamas attacked the country on October 7. However, the administration is working to transfer humanitarian aid to Gaza and has expressed support for a two-state solution following the Israel-Hamas war. . (Related: After first phone call with Prime Minister Netanyahu in weeks, Biden reveals whether he thinks a two-state solution is possible at this point)
As the Biden administration maintains its opposition to a ceasefire, the president faces pushback from some allies, campaign staff and even within his own staff. Members of Mr. Biden's party have warned the president that his close ties to Israel could steal young Americans' votes in the 2024 election. Employees from at least 27 federal agencies protested the president's Israel policy by staying home from work on January 16th. (Related: Biden education official Tariq Habash resigns in protest of president's Israel policy)
A coalition of anonymous Biden campaign staffers sent him a letter in early January asking for a ceasefire. Staffers warned that campaign volunteers were quitting “in droves” because of Biden's pro-Israel stance.
“It’s not enough to simply be an alternative to Donald Trump. Campaigns need to change the emotions deep in the stomachs of voters. “These are the same sentiments that are weighing heavily on the United States. The only way to achieve it is to call for a ceasefire,” the campaign letter reads.
