Protests in DC following Netanyahu’s Speech Lead to Vandalism of Statues, Fountain
Wave of protests leaves DC’s Union Station monuments defaced
Protests held in response to the talked over visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the United States Capitol took an ugly turn on Wednesday. An array of statues and a fountain outside Washington, D.C.’s Union Station suffered significant damage as protesters made their dissent heard. The crowd’s ire also played out as graffiti, littering these prominent city landmarks.
Union Station Bears Brunt of Vandalism
The Columbus Memorial Fountain in the circle outside the Union Station bore witness to the protesters’ wrath. The vandals smeared red paint across the fountain with the inflammatory phrase, “Hamas Is Coming”, sparking concerns over potential related unrest in the future. In a symbolic show of defiance, the protesters removed national flags, replacing them with Palestinian flags.
Freedom Bell and Other Monuments Defaced
Freedom Bell, along with various statues surrounding Union Station, didn’t escape the vandalizing wave. While authorities promptly launched clean-up and repair efforts, they remain on high alert, expecting more protests.
Possible Continued Protests and Response from Law Enforcement
The protesters’ dissent wasn’t limited to mere vandalism. U.S Capitol Police officers had to resort to deploying pepper spray owing to the heightened aggression amongst the protesters. Several protesters violated the designated police line, showing violent tendencies and disobeying orders to retreat. The aftermath saw the arrest of nine people over various charges, including assaulting a police officer.
Outcry Against and in Support of Israel
Thousands of demonstrators crowded D.C.’s downtown streets, their protest signs carrying powerful messages that condemned Israel whilst calling for Netanyahu’s arrest and an end to all U.S. aid to Israel. However, some demonstrators expressed their support for Israel and called on Netanyahu to broker a cease-fire with Hamas and rescue the hostages still detained by the militant group.
Entrenched Divisions Amplify Tensions
Escalating tensions marked the eventful day in Washington D.C., reflecting the entrenched divisions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian issue. With the scale of destruction in D.C.’s Union Station being a testament to the depth of these divisions, the state is bracing itself for more protests and their potential aftershocks.
