Anti-Israel demonstrators and rioters gathered in front of the White House on Saturday night, with some demonstrators destroying security barriers and throwing objects at police.
Demonstrators could be heard chanting “ceasefire now” and “Free Palestine,” and many Palestinian flags were waving. The phrase “Yemen, Yemen make us proud/Turn around another ship” was also chanted at demonstrations hours after the offensive against the Houthis began in Yemen.
The U.S. Secret Service told Fox News Digital that part of the fence outside the White House was damaged, resulting in the “relocation” of staff and journalists.
“During a demonstration near the White House complex on January 13, some anti-scaling fencing installed for the event suffered temporary damage,” the statement said. “The issue was immediately remediated on scene by a U.S. Secret Service support team.”
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A banner during the March on Washington for the Gaza rally in front of the White House on Saturday, January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC, USA. (Valerie Plesch/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“As a precautionary measure, some media personnel and staff in the Pennsylvania Avenue area have been temporarily relocated while this issue is addressed,” the statement continued. “The Secret Service made no arrests in connection with the march, and there was no property damage to the White House or adjacent buildings.”
Metropolitan Police Department Commissioner Pamela A. Smith condemned the illegal actions of the protesters in a press release Saturday night.
Mr Smith's statement said: “The right to peacefully protest is one of the cornerstones of our democracy and the Metropolitan Police has long supported people visiting our country to demonstrate safely.” It has been stated. “However, violence, vandalism, and criminal behavior will not be tolerated.”
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Police stand guard behind a special anti-riot fence near the White House during the March on Washington for Gaza in Washington, DC, January 13, 2024. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)
The police chief added that some officers were assaulted by demonstrators in Lafayette Park.
“Although the majority of today's demonstrations were peaceful, there was some illegal and disruptive behavior in Lafayette Park, including objects being thrown at police officers,” Smith said. “We are supporting the U.S. Park Police investigation and our partners in holding those found responsible accountable for their actions.”
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Pro-Palestinian demonstrators during the March on Washington for Gaza rally in front of the White House on Saturday, January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC, USA. (Valerie Plesch/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for comment.
