Chaos erupted between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and Washington, D.C., authorities outside the White House on Thursday night ahead of President Joe Biden's State of the Union address, according to video footage.
Footage posted on Twitter shows various moments of confusion between activists and police officers gathered at the ceasefire protest. the beginning Around 6 p.m., demonstrators began gathering just north of the White House, many holding pro-Palestinian placards with music in the background. Moments later, video footage showed police arresting a man who parked his car in front of the activists and began revving the engine. (Related article: “It's a mess!”: Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez slams pro-Palestinian protesters who chase her in movie theater lobbies)
As soon as authorities began making the arrest, the man was seen trying to resist and an officer tackled him to the ground. As the arrest continued, a nearby crowd could be heard screaming, with many recording the incident and asking for the man's name. Some demonstrators were seen attempting to take close-up photos of the man on the ground as police repeatedly told the group to “stand back”.
As the man lies on the ground, protesters can be heard shouting, “Shame on you!” shame! shame! ” Another protester off-camera can be heard saying, “Fuck you slave catchers.”
🚨#breaking news: Chaos spreads outside the White House after a man is arrested for revving his engine near Palestinian protesters during President Biden's State of the Union address ⁰⁰📌#Washington | #DC ⁰
A chaotic scene is currently unfolding as police struggle to control the crowd… pic.twitter.com/0fGlEkAQN7— RAWSALETS (@rawsalerts) March 7, 2024
Video footage of protesters can be seen the beginning The move was to block the route of Biden's motorcade around 7 p.m., as the president was heading to the Capitol for a scheduled speech. Activists can be seen sitting on the street around a large Palestinian flag placed on the ground.
“No more money for Israeli crimes. Not one more penny, not one more penny,” a protester shouted.
As protesters shouted chants in the street, alleged Republican officials sitting outside Bullfeathers Restaurant in the Capitol shouted in response to the activists.
“Get a job! Get a job!” a staff member's voice can be heard between the protesters' chants.
A Republican staffer yells “do your job” at Hamas supporters outside the Bullfeather Capitol building.
pic.twitter.com/Xa2YKHxlTG— Greg Price (@greg_price11) March 8, 2024
Video from around 7:30 p.m. shows hundreds of protesters blocking Pennsylvania Avenue and sitting in the street, some with signs reading “Biden's legacy is genocide” and “ceasefire.” Some people held up placards.
“Corporations will have more rights than us and the people of Gaza. Shame! Shame! Shame! Criminals,” an activist shouted over a bullhorn.
#now #DC Ceasefire protesters block Biden's motorcade Route from State of the Union address at US Congress #Labor union status pic.twitter.com/rAJFfv9BJ1
— Olya Scooter Caster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) March 8, 2024
Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.
