Protesters who defied warnings from authorities were arrested in the Cannon House Office Building, according to the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP).
The USCP took to Twitter on Wednesday afternoon to inform the public about the situation, stating, "A group of protesters are demonstrating inside the Cannon Rotunda. Demonstrations are not allowed inside Congressional Buildings."
Despite being warned to cease their activities, the protesters continued, leading to their subsequent arrests. The USCP emphasized, "We warned the protestors to stop demonstrating and when they did not comply we began arresting them." The police further revealed that three individuals were charged with Assault on a Police Officer during processing. Eventually, the rotunda was cleared.
A spokesperson for the USCP disclosed that approximately 300 arrests were made during the incident.
The protesters were reportedly advocating for a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Jewish Voice for Peace took to Twitter, stating, "Hundreds of Jews and allies with JVP and @IfNotNowOrg continue to be arrested inside while a crowd of thousands grows outside and demands a ceasefire."
IfNotNow also tweeted, "Jews and allies from [Jewish Voice for Peace] and IfNotNow are in Congress to demand: ceasefire now."
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began when Hamas terrorists invaded Israel earlier this month, committing various atrocities. In response, Israel has been conducting airstrikes on Gaza, while militants in Gaza have been launching rockets towards Israeli cities, as reported by the Associated Press.
Some Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Rashida Tlaib, have been advocating for a ceasefire. Tlaib expressed her gratitude to Jewish allies across the country who joined the protest, stating, "Thank you to our Jewish allies from across the country who joined in solidarity to call for a #CeasefireNOW."
President Joe Biden has announced plans to provide $100 million in humanitarian aid for Gaza and the West Bank. However, this move has faced criticism from some Republicans who argue that the assistance may end up in the hands of terrorists.
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