House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) sent a letter to House members warning them that he would arrest anyone who disrupts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to lawmakers on Wednesday.
Johnson He said in the letter:House lawmakers announced Tuesday that additional security measures would be taken, and the memo served as a “friendly reminder of the long-standing rules and decorum of the House of Representatives.”
“Due to the high profile nature of the Prime Minister’s speech, there will be an increased police presence around Parliament House and within the House of Commons chamber,” Johnson wrote. “In the interest of all concerned, we will implement a zero tolerance policy for disturbances within the building.”
Capitol Police confirmed days ago that they would be bringing in additional officers from outside agencies to staff events that require high security.
A group of pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested Tuesday after occupying the rotunda of the Cannon House office building. A coalition of advocacy groups expected to number in the tens of thousands plans to march on the Knesset during Netanyahu’s speech.
Mr Johnson urged MPs to “politely advise guests” that disruption is against the rules and “those who violate them may face prosecution”.
“If a disturbance occurs, Capitol Security and Capitol Police will remove any offending visitors from the gallery and make arrests,” Johnson said.
Johnson also issued a direct warning to lawmakers, urging them to “show respect and proper courtesy.”
Democratic leaders in both houses are frustrated by the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, and Netanyahu has vowed not to back down until Hamas is destroyed and the remaining hostages, estimated at more than 100, are returned.
“I think the president has been very vigilant about the issue, and I think he has been very vigilant about it,” Trump said.
“It is our tradition to allow guest speakers the freedom of expression even when we disagree,” Johnson wrote. “If any Member of Congress becomes disruptive, we will request that Capitol security immediately cease such conduct, and we trust that request will be heard.”
Johnson thanked members in advance for their attention and attendance at “this historic joint session,” scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT.
The Israeli prime minister is also scheduled to meet separately with Biden and former Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump later this week.
