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Video: Palestinian supporters try to breach White House fencing‚ rioters attack officers‚ staffers relocated‚ no arrests
Thousands of Palestinian supporters descended on Washington‚ D.C. on Saturday in a demonstration to demand a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. However‚ the protest escalated into a violent confrontation with law enforcement that damaged the fence protecting the White House. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators participated in the March on Washington for Gaza – which called for "an immediate ceasefire‚ an end to U.S. military funding to Israel‚ and lifting the siege on Gaza."Protesters waved Palestinian flags‚ and lashed out at President Joe Biden. The protesters held signs that read: "Genocide Joe has got to go" and "Biden has blood on his hands." The crowd also chanted: "F*** Joe Biden!" The demonstrators threw dozens of bloodied baby dolls over the fence protecting the White House.
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However‚ the protest became violent as Palestine supporters hurled objects at law enforcement guarding the White House. The mob also damaged the security fence in front of the White House‚ reportedly forcing Secret Service members suited up in riot gear to try to quell the tense situation. Video journalist Julio Rosas wrote on the X social media platform‚ "DC police and Secret Service had to rush to one part of the security fence to prevent a breach from the Palestinian crowd."Field reporter Wid Lyman noted‚ "Protesters have breached the reinforced gate and riot police have confronted them - other protesters began scaling the fence."Some of the protesters near the barrier were heard shouting: "Break it down!"
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White House staff and journalists were "relocated" during the escalation. The U.S. Secret Service told Fox News‚ "During the demonstration near the White House complex Jan. 13‚ a portion of the anti-scale fencing that was erected for the event sustained temporary damage. The issues were promptly repaired on site by U.S. Secret Service support teams.""As a precaution‚ some members of the media and staff in proximity to Pennsylvania Avenue were temporarily relocated while the issue was being addressed‚" the statement read. "The Secret Service made no arrests associated with the march and there was no property damage to the White House or adjacent buildings."Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said in a statement‚ "The right to peacefully protest is one of the cornerstones of our democracy‚ and the Metropolitan Police Department has long supported those who visit our city to demonstrate safely. However‚ violence‚ destructive behavior‚ and criminal activities are not tolerated.""While a majority of today’s demonstration remained peaceful‚ there were instances of illegal and destructive behavior in Lafayette Park‚ including items being thrown at our officers‚" Smith added. "We are supporting our partners at the United States Park Police as they investigate and hold those found responsible accountable for their actions."Authorities anticipated possible unrest in the capital and erected extra fencing around the White House before Saturday. President Biden was not at the White House at the time of the violence since he had already departed to Camp David on Saturday morning. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors‚ sign up for our newsletters‚ and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!
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