Lawmakers were evacuated as a violent protest took place Wednesday night outside Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington.
A group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators clashed with police, prompting a brawl with police and numerous arrests.
U.S. Capitol police said its officers were “working to keep back approximately 150 people who are illegally and violently protesting in the area of Canal Street and Ivy Street” in southeast Washington.
“Officers are making arrests. All Members [lawmakers] have been evacuated from the area. Please stay away from the area,” Capitol Police posted on its official account on X.
Video of the chaotic scene posted on social media showed dozens of police officers forming a protective ring around a building and taking away some demonstrators in custody.
Some of the demonstrators wore shirts bearing the message “Cease Fire Now,” a reference to Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.
Others were shouting obscenities at cops defending the DNC building.
Rep. Brad Sherman, California Democrat, said he and other Democratic lawmakers were among those evacuated from the party headquarters by police.
“Was just evacuated from the #DNC after pro-terrorist, anti-#Israel protestors grew violent, pepper spraying police officers and attempting to break into the building,” Mr. Sherman posted on X.
“Thankful to the police officers who stopped them and for helping me and my colleagues get out safely,” he said.
Mr. Sherman also said, “Apparently, these pro-#Hamas demonstrators want #Republicans to prevail in the next Congressional election.”
Capitol police said all House office buildings were on lockdown in response to the unrest. Police outside the DNC building were donning riot gear.
