Lawmakers evacuated as anti-Israel protesters clash with police at DNC Headquarters

Hundreds of anti-Israel activists fought with Capitol Police at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters in Washington DC last night (Wednesday), causing lawmakers to be evacuated from the building.

Capitol Police wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "Right now our officers are working to keep back approximately 150 people who are illegally and violently protesting in the area of Canal Street and Ivy Street, SE. Officers are making arrests. All Members have been evacuated from the area. Please stay away from the area."

The police later stated that “tonight 6 officers were treated for injuries – ranging from minor cuts to being pepper sprayed to being punched. One person has been arrested for assault on an officer. We appreciate our officers who kept these illegal & violent protesters back & protected everyone in the area.”

Video from the scene showed dozens of protestors wearing black shirts that read “Cease Fire Now” fighting with police and blocking the doors to the DNC building with a human chain.

Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), who was one of about 100 Democratic officials and politicians evacuated in response to the protest, wrote on X: “Was just evacuated from the #DNC after pro-terrorist, anti-#Israel protestors grew violent, pepper spraying police officers and attempting to break into the building. Thankful to the police officers who stopped them and for helping me and my colleagues get out safely.”

The violent protest caused the Capitol building itself to be locked down. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) wrote on X: "My husband, newborn, and I are in my office in the Capitol — which just went into lockdown because of these uncontrolled protestors. I bet you won’t hear a word about this from the media."

“Imagine being that unhinged. Nut jobs,” she said of the anti-Israel protestors.

The If Not Now organization claimed that the protest had been peaceful until police began attempting to remove protestors to allow access to the DNC building.

The violent protest outside the DNC headquarters came one day after nearly 300,000 Jews and supporters of Israel gathered for a rally at the National Mall in Washington DC. The March for Israel rally was the largest gathering of American Jews in history and was completely peaceful, unlike the demonstration at the DNC.