Someone woke Legacy media up?
washingtontimes.com
Pro-Palestinian protesters damage fencing near White House; no arrests made
Videos showed pro-Palestinian protesters trying to break through temporary fencing set up near the White House on Saturday, but law enforcement officials said no arrests were made during the fracas.
Demonstrators at the March4Gaza rally in the District, which drew thousands of left-wing protesters to downtown Washington for a rally calling for an immediate cease-fire of the Israel-Hamas war, were seen damaging the fencing around Lafayette Park while they chanted “F—- Joe Biden.”
The temporary fence is separate from the iron fence surrounding the White House grounds, which wasn’t damaged in the protest.
: DC police and Secret Service had to rush to one part of the security fence to prevent a breach from the Palestinian crowd. pic.twitter.com/CQFkE6q9nn
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) January 13, 2024
Secret Service spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said around 9:15 p.m. Saturday that “a portion of the anti-scale fencing that was erected for the event sustained temporary damage” before repair teams were called in to patch it up.
“As a precaution, some members of the media and staff in proximity to Pennsylvania Avenue were temporarily relocated while the issue was being addressed,” Mr. Guglielmi said.
He said no arrests were made during the raucous episode.
D.C. Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said in a statement after the incident that “violence, destructive behavior and criminal activities are not tolerated.”
“While a majority of today’s demonstration remained peaceful, there were instances of illegal and destructive behavior in Lafayette Park, including items being thrown at our officers,” she continued. “We are supporting our partners at the United States Park Police as they investigate and hold those found responsible accountable for their actions.”
The massive crowd carried rippling green, white, red and black Palestinian flags, with many wielding signs reading “Abandon Biden” and chanting that the president was complicit in genocide, gathered at Freedom Plaza just a few blocks from the White House.
The rally, which was put on by the American Muslims for Palestine, featured numerous speakers throughout the day, including presidential candidates Jill Stein, who is running on the Green Party ticket, and Cornel West, an independent candidate.
“Let me say personally to Biden and company, you’re not just enabling, you’re not just facilitating, you’re not just coagulating and cooperating with [the] vicious crime of genocide, that makes you war criminals yourselves,” Mr. West said. “You oughta be shamed.”
Mr. West’s sentiments were met with a roaring cheer from the densely packed crowd, and spoke to a deeper problem for Mr. Biden: his support from the left is crumbling heading into this year’s election.
A New York Times poll released last month showed that about 57% of voters disapprove of Mr. Biden’s Israel policy, compared to 33% who do.
Rallygoer Henry Hubbard told The Washington Times that it was clear that Mr. Biden would face ramifications for his stance on Israel in the upcoming election.
“I think that it’s clear people are starting to lose faith in the Democratic Party in general,” Mr. Hubbard said.
The Biden administration has strongly supported Israel in the war since Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7, providing munitions and urging Congress to pass a $110 billion aid package that includes billions of dollars in aid for Israel.
