Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators were detained on Capitol Hill prior to Netanyahu’s arrival

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A pro-Palestinian demonstration at a congressional building on Tuesday resulted in almost 200 arrests, one day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to address Congress.

Jewish Voice for Peace coordinated the protest, which was held in the Cannon House Office Building.

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Before the arrests started, U.S. Capitol Police claimed to have informed the demonstrators—who were yelling pro-Palestinian slogans—that it was illegal to have a demonstration inside the structure.

Arrest seemed to be unopposed by anyone. Protesters were gently tapped on the shoulder by Capitol Police to get them to stand up. They were then arrested and gently led out of the building using white zip ties.

The demonstration was in response to Netanyahu’s upcoming speech to a joint session of Congress, according to Stefanie Fox, executive director of Jewish Voice for Peace.

“We have watched in horror for nine months while the US-armed and -funded Israeli government has carried out a genocide. The Biden administration and Congress have the authority to put an end to this misery right now. Fox said in a statement, “Rather, our president is preparing for a meeting with Netanyahu, and the leadership of Congress has extended an invitation to him to speak to the House.”

After witnessing the demonstrators’ arrests from the third floor, Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., told NBC News that the demonstration was “an embarrassment.”

“To be honest, these people are still promoting Hamas and spreading hatred towards Israel and the United States,” Lawler stated, adding that “Many of them don’t seem to see the irony that they would almost certainly be killed by Hamas if they were in Gaza.”

In a statement, Rep. Dan Kildee’s chief of staff, Mitchell Rivard, stated that the demonstrators were “loudly yelling, slamming the office doors, and making an attempt to break through the door.” As a result, his office was compelled to call Capitol Police for assistance.

“Several arrests have been made by the U.S. Capitol Police and Sergeant at Arms since they responded to the situation right away. All of Congressman Kildee’s employees are present and safe, according to Rivard.

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