Police Use Pepper Spray on Gaza War Protesters at US Capitol

AP Police used pepper spray on Wednesday as a large crowd protesting Israel's war in Gaza marched toward the U.S. Capitol. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was speaking to Congress at the time. Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington, chanting "Free, Free Palestine" and attempting to block streets ahead of Netanyahu's speech.

U.S. Capitol Police stated on X that some protesters had become "violent" and ignored orders to move back from the police line. "We are deploying pepper spray toward anyone trying to break the law and cross that line," Capitol Police said. Protesters carried signs with messages like "arrest Netanyahu" and "end all U.S. aid to Israel" as they rallied near the Capitol before marching toward the building.

Protesters' Actions and Police Response

Organisers aimed to block Netanyahu's route to the Capitol, leading police to forcibly remove protesters from the street who were blocking an intersection. The prime minister was greeted by House Speaker Mike Johnson upon his arrival at the Capitol. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Shut it down!" and "globalize the student intifada" while marching behind a banner.

Protesters also shouted, "Bibi, Bibi, We're not done! The intifada has just begun!" referring to Netanyahu by his nickname. Another chant was, "Netanyahu, you can't hide. You're committing genocide." Among the demonstrators was a group of artists from Baltimore displaying a large papier-mâché sculpture depicting President Joe Biden with blood on his hands and devil horns.

Security Measures and Arrests

Police significantly increased security around the Capitol, closing multiple roads for most of the week. Workers erected a metal fence around the White House on Wednesday morning while tall steel barriers surrounded the Capitol. Security officers patrolled on foot, bicycle, and with dogs around the building and inside hallways.

Dozens of protesters rallied outside Netanyahu's hotel Monday evening after his arrival in Washington. On Tuesday afternoon, hundreds staged a flashmob-style protest in the Cannon building, which houses House members' offices. The Capitol Police reported about 200 arrests stemming from the sit-in at the Cannon building.

Jewish Voice for Peace organised the protest, with participants wearing red T-shirts that read "Not In Our Name." They took over the building's rotunda, sat on the floor, unfurled signs, and chanted "Let Gaza Live!" After about half an hour of clapping and chanting, officers issued several warnings before arresting demonstrators one by one.

Personal Stories and Demands

"I am the daughter of Holocaust survivors, and I know what a Holocaust looks like," said Jane Hirschmann from Saugerties, New York. She drove down for the protest with her two daughters, both of whom were arrested. Hirschmann added, "When we say Never Again, we mean never for anybody."

The demonstrators directed much of their anger at the Biden administration, demanding an immediate halt to all arms shipments to Israel. "We're not focusing on Netanyahu. He's just a symptom," Hirschmann said. "But how can Biden be calling for a cease-fire when he's sending them bombs and planes?"

Hostage Families' Vigil

Families of some hostages held by Hamas protested Tuesday evening on the National Mall. They demanded that Netanyahu reach an agreement with Hamas to bring home approximately 120 Israeli hostages still in Gaza. About 150 people wearing yellow shirts that read "Seal the Deal NOW!" chanted "Bring them home" and listened to testimonials from relatives and former hostages.

The demonstrators applauded when Biden's name was mentioned but criticised Netanyahu for allegedly dragging his feet on a proposed cease-fire deal that would return all hostages. Aviva Siegel, who spent 51 days in captivity and whose husband Keith remains a hostage, said, "I'm begging Bibi — there's a deal on the table and you have to take it."

Biden and Netanyahu are expected to meet Thursday, according to a U.S. official who spoke anonymously before a White House announcement. Vice President Kamala Harris will also meet Netanyahu separately that day. Harris will be away Wednesday due to a pre-scheduled trip to Indianapolis.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would meet with Netanyahu on Friday.