BREAKING: 300 Arrested After Pro-Hamas Insurrectionists Infiltrated U.S. Capitol Office Building

By Jennifer Van Laar | 8:05 PM on October 18, 2023

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More than 300 people were arrested Wednesday by the U.S. Capitol Police, after a full day of "protests" by Hamas supporters in and around U.S. Capitol grounds, according to Townhall Managing Editor Spencer Brown, who reported that three people were arrested for assaulting officers. A full list of charges is to be announced.

USCP leadership has anticipated unrest at the Capitol since the latest outbreak of hostilities between Hamas and Israel on October 7. Last Thursday night security fencing was erected around the Capitol ahead of Hamas' "Day of Jihad" on Friday the 13th, and on Tuesday House members/staff were notified of an "increased security posture due to potential demonstration activity" and "potential for civil disturbance on Wednesday."

Demonstration comes day after members/staff notified there would be an “increased security posture due to potential demonstration activity” and “potential for civil disturbance on Wednesday.” pic.twitter.com/RLcQx3kJ5g
— Spencer Brown (@itsSpencerBrown) October 18, 2023

The insurrectionists, who claim to be from a group called "Jewish Voices for Peace," stormed into the Cannon House Office Building and occupied the rotunda, chanting "CEASEFIRE." Taking a page out of the '60s community organizing playbook, they claim they're not part of a demonstration but rather conducting a "sit-in" and "won’t leave until Congress calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.” The group describes itself as "organizing toward Palestinian liberation."

The scene in the Cannon House Office Building rotunda on Capitol Hill as Hamas sympathizers chant under a banner calling for a “CEASEFIRE.” Of note, demonstrations are not allowed in congressional buildings, per Capitol Police. pic.twitter.com/9RcCIjUzud
— Spencer Brown (@itsSpencerBrown) October 18, 2023

When they refused to disperse, officers started arresting people, some of whom violently resisted.

Outside, activists vandalized various buildings, calling for a "free Palestine."

Vandalism around the capital buildings. pic.twitter.com/ATS1CL0FU3
— Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) October 18, 2023

And then we had members of our government issuing threats or visibly supporting the insurrectionists, such as Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI):

It's not, it's not, it's not a threat, it isn't. They think we're joking. I mean, I think the White House and everyone thinks that we're just going sit back and let this just continue to happen.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) and Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) tweeted their support, as Sister Toldjah wrote.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) demanded that the USCP preserve all video footage and called for an investigation, while Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) was uncharacteristically quiet about the breach into the office building.

Due to the violence, around 3 PM Eastern on Wednesday afternoon, only members/staff could utilize pedestrian entrances to House office buildings.