Anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the White House, some breaking through security barriers and throwing objects at police.
During the protest outside the White House on the evening of January 13, the crowd shouted slogans such as "Ceasefire now" and "Free Palestine" to show support for the Palestinian people and call on Israel to end its military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
Crowds push through security barriers in front of the White House during a protest on the evening of January 13. Video: X/@Wid_Lyman
The Secret Service said some of the fences outside the White House were damaged by protesters and staff and journalists working at the White House were evacuated. President Joe Biden was at Camp David, Maryland, at the time.
"As an abundance of caution, some members of the White House communications team and staff near Pennsylvania Avenue were asked to leave," the Secret Service said in a statement. "The Secret Service made no arrests in connection with the protest and there was no property damage to the White House or surrounding buildings."
Washington DC Police Chief Pamela A. Smith criticized the illegal behavior of protesters in a press release issued later that evening.
“Peaceful protest is one of the cornerstones of democracy, and the DC Police Department has long supported those who come to our city to protest safely. However, violence, vandalism, and criminal activity are not tolerated,” she stressed.
Police Chief Smith added that several officers were assaulted by protesters, who threw objects at them in Lafayette Park.
Vu Hoang (According to Fox News, AFP, Reuters )
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