Palestine activists 'illegally and violently' clash with police at protest outside Democrat headquarters
The protest took place outside the Democratic National Headquarters
Reuters
A group of protesters clashed with police officers outside Democratic national headquarters in Washington DC.
The clash happened on Wednesday night during a demonstration for a cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas.
It is believed senior figures in the Democratic party, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, were inside the building.
A campaign reception was taking place when it was interrupted by chanting outside.
The protesters wore black shirts saying “Cease Fire Now"
Reuters
The protesters, who were wearing black shirts saying “Cease Fire Now" said they wanted to speak to politicians in the building.
However, the peace deteriorated when US Capitol Police said about 150 people were “illegally and violently protesting”.
Protesters blamed police for the violence in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood of Washington DC, saying officers rushed them without warning.
Inside the building, Democrat lawmakers were directed into the basement for their own protection, with some later evacuated in police vehicles.
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The protest took place outside the Democratic National Headquarters
One of those protesting, Dani Noble, who came from Philadelphia said: "It is shameful the way that nonviolent protesters and members of our community were met with violence tonight. It is absolutely shameful."
Noble added that police, some of whom were wearing riot gear, started “pulling on folks that are disabled or have have chronic illnesses, pulling people to the ground.”
Video posted on social media showed shoving and scuffles as police moved in.
Capitol Police said six officers were treated for minor injuries and one protester was arrested for assaulting an officer.
There were clashes outside the building in Washington
Reuters
The protest was organised by a coalition of groups, including If Not Now and Jewish Voice for Peace Action, that have spearheaded other demonstrations in Washington and elsewhere.
Protest groups denied accusations from Representative Brad Sherman that they were trying to break into the Democratic headquarters.
Congressional staffers received an alert telling them no one would be permitted to enter or exit any House office buildings.
However, authorities later reopened the entrances.