Police responded to a situation near the US Capitol on Wednesday involving protesters who used pepper spray and flash-bang explosive devices. The incident occurred shortly before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at Congress. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators were engaged in a confrontation with officers as they tried to march past a police barrier at Constitution Avenue.
Capitol Police reported that part of the crowd turned violent at First Street and Constitution Avenue, NW. The police instructed the crowd to move back from their line, but the protesters did not comply. In response, pepper spray was deployed towards individuals attempting to breach the police barrier.
After a period of tension, many of the protesters eventually moved away from the barrier and continued their march while chanting. The situation highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing large-scale demonstrations and maintaining public safety.
