Protesters vandalize statues, fountain outside DC’s Union Station after Netanyahu’s speech
WASHINGTON - The National Park Service removed graffiti and made repairs to monuments outside Washington, D.C.’s Union Station after protesters damaged statues and a fountain Wednesday when they converged on the city to condemn Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit.
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Protesters vandalize statues, fountain outside DC’s Union Station
The National Park Service is removing graffiti and making repairs to statues and a fountain outside Washington, D.C.’s Union Station after protesters damaged them Wednesday when they converged on the city to condemn Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit.
Thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of downtown D.C. carrying signs with messages like "arrest Netanyahu" and "end all U.S. aid to Israel." Groups waving Palestinian flags, and chanting "Free, free Palestine," marched toward the U.S. Capitol.
Outside Union Station, protesters removed American flags and hoisted Palestinian ones in their place. The Columbus Memorial Fountain in the circle outside the station was defaced with the words, "Hamas Is Coming," written in red paint. Other monuments, like the Freedom Bell and various statues, also suffered damage. FOX 5’s Stephanie Ramirez says law enforcement is preparing for more possible protests Thursday.
U.S. Capitol Police officers deployed pepper spray after they said some protesters became "violent" and "failed to obey" orders to move back from the police line.
Nine people were arrested across Washington, including four people on charges of assaulting a police officer outside Union Station.
While many of the demonstrators condemned Israel, others expressed support while pressing Netanyahu to strike a cease-fire deal in the war with Hamas and bring home the hostages still being held by the militant group.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.