A huge pro-Palestinian protest at the White House has descended into chaos with smoke bombs being thrown and attendees claiming they were macerated.
Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington on Saturday calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The video shows smoke billowing outside the White House as a speaker delivers a speech to a crowd calling Israel the “butcher of Gaza.”
Freelance journalist Ford Fischer shared a photo of his bloodshot face claiming that a mace had been thrown into the crowd during an arrest attempt.
In another video, police can be seen pushing through the crowd while shouting “free Palestine” and “fuck the police.”
A large pro-Palestine protest outside the White House has descended into chaos with smoke bombs thrown and attendees claiming they were beaten.
The video shows smoke billowing outside the White House as a speaker delivers a speech to a crowd calling Israel the “butcher of Gaza.”
Police were seen pushing their way through the crowd while chanting “Free Palestine” and “fuck the police.”
Activists were bussed across state lines to attend the large demonstration, which marks eight months since the war began.
More than 36,000 Palestinians have died from Israel’s attacks on Gaza, which began after the Hamas attack on October 7 that killed 1,200 Israelis.
The chaos unfolded while Biden was out of the country on an official visit to France.
Protesters unfurled a giant red banner with the names of the victims and used it to surround the White House as part of the demonstration.
The Secret Service said it had enacted security measures, including installing anti-climb fencing ahead of the rally.
Due to crowds gathering in Lafayette Square Park, several roads were closed.
The 1600 block of H Street NW from 17th St NW is blocked until further notice.
The White House previously stated that it supports only peaceful protests.
Thousands of protesters gathered in Washington on Saturday calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and criticizing Biden’s handling of the situation.
Activists were bussed across state lines to attend the large demonstration, which marks eight months since the war began.
The U.S. Department of State Parks said it was not yet aware of any arrests.
The United States, Israel’s key ally, has seen months of pro-Palestinian protests ranging from marches and vigils to blocking bridges and roads near train stations and airports in multiple cities and encampments on many university campuses.
At least eight officials have resigned from President Joe Biden’s administration, citing opposition to his policies.
Protesters have also disrupted some of Biden’s re-election campaign events.