The Capitol Police deployed pepper spray against protesters on the Hill on Wednesday who were demonstrating prior to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address in the House chamber.
In a post on X, the Capitol Police said some in the crowd “started to become violent” at the intersection of 1st Street and Constitution Avenue NW. “The crowd failed to obey our order to move back from our police line. We are deploying pepper spray towards anyone trying to break the law and cross that line.”
Thousands have taken to the streets surrounding the Capitol, with some attempting to cross barricades as they protested U.S. military aid to Israel.
“Not another penny, not another dollar, no more money for Bibi’s slaughter,” the demonstrators chanted. Some held a large sculpture of Netanyahu with a wanted sign around his neck and blood on his hands.
Prior to the march, the demonstrators had gathered near the National Gallery of Art for a series of speeches from organizers and activists.
“I would now like for all of you to join me in a message to our brothers and sisters in Palestine,” said actor and activist Susan Sarandon. “We see you. We hear you, and we will raise your voices. No one is free until everyone is free.”
