South Raleigh News

Approximately 150 individuals were engaged in "illegal and violent protests" in the vicinity of the DNC headquarters building in Washington's Capitol Hill neighborhood, according to the U.S. Capitol Police. The incident, which resulted in injuries to six police officers and forced the evacuation of congressional members from the premises, took place amid calls for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.

Protests unfolding at the Democratic National Committee headquarters became highly confrontational with law enforcement involved. In a clash outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington's Capitol Hill neighborhood, six U.S. Capitol Police officers were injured. The confrontation involved protesters calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, according to an article by ABC 7. Approximately 150 individuals were described by the U.S. Capitol Police as "illegally and violently protesting" near the DNC building, leading to the evacuation of members of Congress. Social media videos captured scenes of protesters shoving police officers and attempting to seize metal barricades during arrests. The footage also depicted officers pushing back protesters, many of whom wore black shirts with the slogan "Cease Fire Now." During the incident, six officers sustained injuries, all of whom received on-site treatment without hospitalization. One arrest was made, and the protestors dispersed later on Wednesday.

Moving into specifics about those arrested during these altercations... The department also verified the arrest of a 24-year-old individual from New York who faces charges of assaulting an officer, according to an article by NBC Washington. Capitol Police reported that an officer observed the suspect "slam another officer into a garage door and then punch the female officer in the face." Amidst a campaign reception attended by numerous Democratic representatives and candidates including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries,  the event was disrupted by chanting outside. Protesters expressed their intention to obstruct entrances and exits, aiming to compel politicians to engage with their candlelight vigil and calls for an end to the conflict. Many participants donned black shirts bearing the message "Cease Fire Now."

The chaos created by these events had a direct impact on politicians who were present at the time. Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., informed The Associated Press that initially, approximately 100 individuals, including House leaders, lawmakers, and Democratic House candidates, were present at a reception at the party headquarters. The chants outside interrupted speeches during the event according to an article by Fox News. Around seven lawmakers sought refuge in the basement and were subsequently evacuated in police SUVs. Sherman after his evacuation took to social media describing the protestors as "pro-Hamas." "Was just evacuated from the DNC after pro-terrorist, anti-Israel protestors grew violent, pepper spraying police officers and attempting to break into the building. Thankful to the police officers who stopped them and for helping me and my colleagues get out safely," Sherman posted on X.