Protesters Calling for Israeli Cease-Fire Arrested After Entering Congress Building

Capitol Police officers respond as protesters hold a demonstration in support of a cease fire against the Palestinians in Gaza in the Cannon House Office Building in Washington on Oct. 18, 2023. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

A large group of protesters demanding an Israeli cease-fire entered the Cannon House office building in the afternoon of Oct. 18, resulting in several arrests, according to Capitol police.

“Demonstrations are not allowed inside Congressional Buildings,” the U.S. Capitol Police posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“We warned the protesters to stop demonstrating, and when they did not comply, we began arresting them.”

Protesters gathered outside the Capitol around midday, demanding that Congress do something to end the fighting between Israel and Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip.

After Hamas terrorists massacred Israeli civilians earlier this month, Israel retaliated with airstrikes in Gaza, which have been generally supported by the Biden administration.

Now that the death toll in the Gaza Strip is rising, progressive lawmakers are putting more pressure on President Biden to call for restraint from Israel, which is responding to the brutal Hamas attacks.

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Videos taken by Epoch Times reporters inside the Cannon building on Capitol Hill show protesters chanting, “Cease fire now!”

The House Sergeant at Arms said in an emailed statement received by The Epoch Times, “Due to First Amendment activities on Capitol Grounds, all pedestrian entry points to the House Office Buildings are restricted to Members and Staff ONLY.

“Public and Official Business Visitors (OBVs) are only permitted to enter via the Longworth 24/7 door at South Capitol Street until further notice.”

While the number of arrests is still unknown, Capitol Police have announced on X that roads would be closed and investigations will continue. In addition to the other arrests made inside the building, officials stated that three people have been arrested and charged with Assault on a Police Officer during processing.

Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), an organization that describes itself as “organizing toward Palestinian liberation and Judaism beyond Zionism” announced the protests on X, saying they were going to Washington to “demand a ceasefire.”

Outside of the Capitol, a massive throng gathered to “support those getting arrested on the inside.” The exact number of protesters remains undetermined, but according to a post by JVP on X, it has been reported that over 10,000 individuals are currently demonstrating outside the Capitol building.

Additionally, an estimated 500 protesters had gained access to the interior of the building, where they went to “demand an end to the Israeli and U.S. government’s genocide in Gaza.”

Before the protesters entered the Capitol, Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Cori Bush (D-Mo.) addressed the gathering and urged President Biden to work on an immediate ceasefire.

“I wish all the Palestinian people would see this. I wish they could see that not all of America want them to die. That they are not disposable, that they have a right to live,” said Tlaib, the only current Palestinian-American member of Congress.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) posted online in support of the protesters. “Solidarity with those mobilizing and demanding a #CeasefireNOW to save lives,” she said on X.

According to Israeli military Arabic spokeswoman Avichay Adraee, four terrorists outfitted in explosive vests were murdered while trying to enter the nation from Lebanon.

The Israeli military released footage from a spy drone showing the terrorists near the wall before they were shot.

Three Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists were killed and several others were injured last week when they crossed into Israel from southern Lebanon. Two of the terrorists were killed, and funerals were held for them by the Palestinian group.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken offered his support to Israel, a long-time ally of the United States, on Wednesday, saying in a post on X, “We stand with Israel and condemn Hamas for its terrorist attacks. Today, the United States designated two of the group’s leaders and other financial supporters who enabled it to carry out vicious attacks against Israel.”

Ryusuke Abe contributed to this report.