Pro-Palestinian Protests at the White House Erupt in Antisemitic Chants and Vandalism
Over the weekend, the nation’s capital witnessed thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters gathering at the gates outside the White House, demanding an Israeli ceasefire in response to attacks by the Palestinian terror group Hamas in the Gaza strip.
Shocking footage from the event shows protesters vandalizing the gates of the White House by smearing red paint to symbolize blood. Individuals carried signs that read messages such as “nothing justifies genocide,” “free Palestine,” and even the deeply concerning “death to Israel.” Chants of “F*** Joe Biden,” “genocide Joe,” and “Allahu akbar” were also heard throughout the protest. Anti-semitic graffiti was also found on several buildings following the demonstration.
Adding to the chaos, protesters were observed climbing onto several statues and defacing them with their signs and flags. One statue of Benjamin Franklin was seen vandalized and wrapped in Palestinian flags. Multiple statues were vandalized, and many individuals even damaged the gates to the White House. Despite the evidence of wrongdoing, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) reported that only one arrest was made throughout the demonstration.
“During the event, several minor incidents of property damage and vandalism were reported to police. One adult male was arrested for Destruction of Property in the 700 block of 17th Street, Northwest. In addition, MPD is currently investigating acts of vandalism that damaged the McPherson Square Metro Station and several police vehicles,” an MPD spokesperson told Fox News. Pamela A. Smith, MPD’s acting Chief of Police, released a statement claiming that the department “support[s] and facilitate[s]” people’s ability to “safely and peacefully exercising their First Amendment right to protest.”
Notably, some well-known celebrities, including rapper Macklemore, were seen at a rally held on Saturday. The rapper used the platform to accuse Israel of committing genocide in the ongoing conflict.
“This is why I am supporting the people around the world who are calling for a ceasefire,” Macklemore stated. “We are witnessing an unfolding genocide in Palestine at this very moment.”
The pro-Palestinian protests happening across the country in recent days have taken a concerning turn towards anti-Semitism. While many protesters only condemned the state of Israel, some at the demonstration in Washington D.C. appeared to condone attacks against Jewish people and Judaism itself.
