Protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza shut down parts of Independence Avenue and demonstrated for several hours in the Cannon House Office Building rotunda Wednesday. More than 300 people were arrested, a Capitol Police spokesperson said around 6:30 p.m., adding that the number could rise.
The protest was organized by two Jewish advocacy groups, Jewish Voice for Peace and If Not Now, and began at noon on the National Mall before migrating to the Capitol complex.
“We’re here because we’re in an incredible emergency, the worst I’ve seen in my lifetime, where Gaza is being decimated as we speak,” said Rebecca Vilkomerson, a member of Jewish Voice for Peace, as chants rang through the echoey rotunda and people were handcuffed and escorted out by Capitol Police.
