WASHINGTON — U.S. Capitol Police used pepper spray to disperse a protest opposing a congressional visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which has drawn anger from anti-war activists.
The group of protesters were with the ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) Coalition, and comes just a day after protesters with Jewish Voice for Peace were arrested in the Cannon House Office Building.
Capitol police posted to social media that the group pepper sprayed on Wednesday had “failed to obey our order to move back from our police line.” Police also alleged that part of the group had become violent.
“We are deploying pepper spray towards anyone trying to break the law and cross that line,” police said.
Capitol Police later confirmed that six people were arrested in the House Galleries
An NBC News producer witnessed some protesters getting close to the Capitol Police officers on the corner of Louisiana and Constitution avenues. The situation escalated quickly afterwards and members of the NBC News crews could feel the chemical on their skin.
ANSWER Coalition posted video to X of the incident, in which one protester can be heard yelling, “f— you, stupid pigs” as a liquid is sprayed in their direction.
“Capitol police brutally pepper spray and tear gas protestors marching against war criminal Netanyahu!” the post said. “But the march continues. The people stand with Palestine!”
Protesters gathered outside of Union Station, which is only a few minutes walking distance from the Capitol. People reported on social media that protesters burned an effigy of Netanyahu and tried to lower the American flag outside of the station.
U.S. Park Police released a statement that a permit was revoked for gatherings in Columbus Circle, the area surrounding Union Station. Crowds were ordered to leave the area.
“A crowd in Columbus Circle is engaged in criminal activity and confronting law enforcement on scene,” the agency said. “USPP is attempting to deescalate and contact the event organizer for help.”
Amtrak also warned customers to expect delays near Union Station due to protest activity. The transportation company advised travelers to have their tickets ready and anticipate intermittent closures of entrances and exits.
Netanyahu is meeting with congressional legislators in Capitol Hill and delivered his first address to the lawmakers since Oct. 7, when a Hamas-led terror attack on Israel that killed more than 1,200 civilians and soldiers and sparked a monthslong war in Gaza that has killed an estimated 39,000 Palestinians.
Protesters outside of the Capitol building were standing behind a large canvas banner that reads “Arrest Netanyahu for Genocide” and planned to create a “people’s red line against genocide” and conduct a “citizen’s arrest” of Netanyahu.
The group has provided attendees with signs on wood posts with phrases like “free all Palestinian political prisoners” and “lift the siege on Gaza now” as well as a “wanted” posted for Netanyahu.
Netanyahu’s address to congress
The International Criminal Court announced in May that it was seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu along with other Israeli leaders to charge them with war crimes and crimes against humanity. President Joe Biden condemned the move as “outrageous” and Netanyahu described it as “absurd.”
The ICC sought a similar warrant for Hamas militant leader Yahya Sinwar as well as other Hamas officials believed responsible for the Oct. 7 attack and the subsequent invasion of Gaza by Israeli forces.
Additionally, Netanyahu has faced both domestic and international criticism of his handling of hostage negotiations since the beginning of the war. Families of five Israeli Americans who are still being held hostage have urged Netanyahu to bring their loved one homes.
Protests in Israel have grown as citizens demand Netanyahu focus on striking a cease-fire deal. The Israeli military announced this week that two more hostages held in Gaza have died, bringing the total number of people believed to have died in Hamas’ captivity to at least 46.
Inside the chamber where Netanyahu was speaking, three people were arrested after unbuttoning their shirts to reveal yellow T-shirts that read “SEAL THE DEAL NOW,” in reference to the ongoing cease-fire negotiations. Two men and one woman were put in zip-tie cuffs and escorted away from the chamber.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., the only Palestinian American in Congress, held a “war criminal” sign during Netanyahu’s speech as he criticized pro-Palestinian demonstrations in his address.
Netanyahu thanked Biden in his speech for all of the president’s efforts to aid Israel and bring hostages home. Biden “came to Israel to stand with us during our darkest hour,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to former president Donald Trump for his past support of Israel.
The prime minister urged the legislators for continued, bipartisan support of Israel as it fights Hamas. Notably, he did not shake hands with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Schumer is the top ranking Jewish politician and has been an outspoken supporter of Israel throughout his political career. But Schumer also joined calls for Netanyahu to be replaced earlier this year, agreeing with Israeli protesters who have demanded new elections.
Alexandra Bacallao reported from Washington, D.C. Doha Madani reported from New York City.