Capitol Police and other area law enforcement agencies are preparing for a large pro-Israel demonstration Tuesday on the National Mall that will cause street closures and restrict some access to the Capitol.
The gates open at 10 a.m. for the protest, March for Israel, which is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Up to 100,000 people are anticipated to attend the rally at the National Mall, according to two Capitol Police officials.
Tuesday’s demonstration will be met with a heightened security and police presence on Capitol Hill. Access to the Capitol Square will be restricted to members, staff and official business, William McFarland, the House sergeant at arms, wrote in a memo to the House community.
The House has arranged bipartisan member transportation to and from the demonstration on a first-come, first-served basis, McFarland’s note says.
Starting at 6 a.m., Third St. NW between Constitution Ave. NW and Independence Ave. SW will be closed and Capitol Police will restrict access to the Pennsylvania Ave. NW parking area from Third St. NW.
The demonstration, backed by the Jewish Federations of North America and Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, is described as an “opportunity for all Americans to come together in solidarity with the people of Israel, to demonstrate our commitment to America’s most important ally in the Middle East, to condemn the rising trend of antisemitic violence and harassment, and to demand that every hostage be immediately and safely released,” according to the website promoting the event.
Since the Israel-Hamas war broke out, there has been heightened security at times on Capitol Hill and several instances of protesters voicing their concerns. Last month, Capitol Police arrested over 300 protesters who were demonstrating in the Cannon House Office Building to demand a ceasefire in Gaza. That effort was led by two Jewish advocacy groups: Jewish Voice for Peace and If Not Now.
There are no threats to members or the Capitol campus, according to an agency official. There are no credible threats in the District of Columbia, according to Paris Lewbel, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Department.
MPD is “working closely with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure safety and security surrounding First Amendment activities planned for Tuesday,” Lewbel said.
The Capitol Police said the agency is “enhancing security to keep everyone safe.”
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