Overview of DMV Incident
In Hyattsville, a water main break occurred at Jefferson Avenue. Repairs are currently underway, and the right lane is open in each direction.
Violent Protests in Washington, D.C.
Yesterday, a large protest against the Israeli Prime Minister turned violent in Washington, D.C. The protest included clashes, the deployment of pepper spray, vandalism, and numerous arrests. The primary locations affected were Union Station and its surrounding areas.
Damage and Cleanup
At Union Station, graffiti and damage were inflicted on statues. The Columbus Fountain was also vandalized with messages such as “Hamas is coming.” Cleanup efforts are currently underway, with power washers in use to remove the graffiti.
Timeline of Events
Protesters began gathering early in the morning. By 2:00 PM, violence had erupted within the crowd, prompting police to respond. At approximately 3:40 PM, the US Park Police revoked the protest permit and ordered the crowd to disperse.
shes”>Arrests and Clashes
During the protest, six people were arrested inside the Capitol Building for disrupting the Israeli Prime Minister’s address. Clashes also occurred at Columbus Circle, where an American flag was burned, and a Palestinian flag was raised. In total, approximately 23 people were arrested across various incidents throughout the day.
Additional Incidents
At the Watergate Hotel, protesters allegedly released maggots and crickets, leading to a sanitization of the premises. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was reportedly staying at the hotel at the time.
Political Reactions
Protesters expressed their opposition to the Israeli Prime Minister’s visit and criticized US military spending. In response, critics condemned the protesters for aligning with Iranian interests, highlighting the controversial nature of the protest.
Government Response
The Biden Administration is continuing to push for ceasefire talks and has announced a meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago.