President Biden on Thursday called into a Democratic National Committee meeting to express his appreciation to staffers after pro-Palestinian protesters rioted and fought with police outside the party’s headquarters in Washington.
The White House said Mr. Biden and first lady Jill Biden “expressed appreciation to lawn enforcement who kept everyone inside the DNC safe last night, including staff and Members of Congress.”
“The president and first lady also thanked the staffers for all they do, wished them a happy Thanksgiving and told them to take care of each other,” the White House said in a statement.
One arrest was made for assault on an officer Wednesday night outside the DNC headquarters, just three blocks south of the Capitol complex. But several of the demonstrators were seen hauled away by police in videos of the riot posted on social media.
Protesters demanding a cease-fire in Gaza gathered outside the building and the situation quickly devolved into chaos as they began clashing with Capitol Police.
Mr. Biden has staunchly supported Israel, arguing it has a right to defend itself in the wake of the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack. The president has even defended Israel’s controversial raid on a hospital in Gaza, saying Hamas is committing a “war crime” by using it to hide hostages and weapons.
Police said six officers sustained injuries ranging “from minor cuts to being pepper sprayed and being punched.”
Members of Congress were hearing from the party’s candidates inside the building when Capitol Police evacuated them, Rep. Brad Sherman, California Democrat, said on Twitter.
All told, about seven members of Congress were inside the building when they were evacuated.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.