Clashes Between Riot Police and Pro-Palestinian Protesters Outside White House
Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said that any kind of lawless behavior during protests would not be tolerated.
A pro-Palestinian protest in the nation’s capital led to clashes between protesters and riot police, during which an exterior gate of the White House was nearly breached.
Police and federal agents reportedly waited on the nearside of the White House in anticipation of a breach, as protesters crashed towards the reinforced gate amid attempts by some rioters to scale it.
“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 U.S. Secret Service told Fox News in a statement, adding that “the issues were promptly repaired on site by U.S. Secret Service support teams.”
The gate was placed as an added security measure to the existing primary gate. One rioter could reportedly be heard shouting to tear down the structure, while another voice could be heard screaming, “You support the murdering of children,” towards the White House.
The riot led to a partial evacuation of staff members from the White House, as rioters threw bottles and other objects in footage obtained by Fox News.
“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 added.
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According to Fox News, the White House reported no damage to the main and adjacent buildings, and no arrests were made by Secret Service personnel.
In a separate statement to Fox News, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith, who oversees police in Washington, said that any kind of lawless behavior during protests would not be tolerated.
“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,” according to the statement.
The riot in the evening of January 12 also saw vocal opposition to the United States’ recent launch of Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets in a retaliatory move against attacks from Yemen’s Houthi terrorist group on commercial ships in the Red Sea.
The Biden administration’s support of Israel has further led to widespread criticism from several advocates and human rights groups, who are denouncing what they refer to as a genocide on the Gazan people.
Hamas Badge Spotted in Protest
However, some have also called out possible infiltration by affiliates of the Hamas terrorist group in the protests outside the White House.
According to investigative journalist Sam Shoemate, evidence has surfaced which could indicate involvement by Hamas-affiliated groups.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
From NTD News
