Anti-Israel protesters and rioters gathered outside the White House on Saturday night, with some demonstrators damaging security fencing and hurling objects at police.
The demonstrators were heard chanting “Ceasefire Now” and “Free, Free Palestine,” with many waving Palestinian flags. “Yemen, Yemen make us proud / Turn another ship around,” was also recited at the demonstration, hours after strikes were launched against the Houthis in Yemen.
The U.S. Secret Service told Fox News Digital that some fences were damaged outside the White House, and that staff members and journalists were “relocated” as a result.
“During the demonstration near the White House complex Jan. 13, a portion of the anti-scale fencing that was erected for the event sustained temporary damage,” the statement read. “The issues were promptly repaired on site by U.S. Secret Service support teams.”
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A banner during the March on Washington for Gaza rally in front of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. (Valerie Plesch/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“As a precaution, some members of the media and staff in proximity to Pennsylvania Avenue were temporarily relocated while the issue was being addressed,” the statement continued. “The Secret Service made no arrests associated with the march and there was no property damage to the White House or adjacent buildings.”
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith blasted illegal behavior from protesters in a press release on Saturday night.
“The right to peacefully protest is one of the cornerstones of our democracy, and the Metropolitan Police Department has long supported those who visit our city to demonstrate safely,” Smith’s statement read. “However, violence, destructive behavior, and criminal activities are not tolerated.”
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Police keep guard behind special riot barriers placed near the White House during the “March on Washington for Gaza” in Washington, DC, on January 13, 2024. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)
The police chief added that some officers were assaulted by the demonstrators in Lafayette Park.
“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,” Smith explained. “We are supporting our partners at the United States Park Police as they investigate and hold 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 in Washington, DC, US, on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. (Valerie Plesch/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment.
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