Anti-Israel rioters burn American flag, vandalize Capitol to protest Benjamin Netanyahu's US visit

WASHINGTON, DC: Anti-Israel protesters gathered in Washington, DC, on July 24, coinciding with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress, leading to a rapid escalation of chaos.

Fox News reported spotting at least one demonstrator with a covered face carrying what seemed to be a Hamas flag, while others were heard shouting "Allahu Akbar."

Pro-Hamas protesters in Washington DC vandalize historical monuments

At Union Station, protesters replaced American flags with Palestinian flags. Pro-Hamas protestors were seen burning an American flag and an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Union Square, along with spray-painting the words "Hamas is coming" on a statue of Christopher Columbus.

After removing the American flag, they were also seen flying a Palestinian flag over Union Station.

A slogan read "F--- ISREAL," with Israel misspelled.

The US Capitol Police subsequently issued an advisory stating, "No flags under our protection have been removed or vandalized. Our officers will enforce the law if anyone attempts to remove a flag in USCP jurisdiction. To clear up inaccurate reporting."

Footage has emerged of pro-Palestine demonstrators dragging and attacking a police officer on the pavement outside Union Station.

The United States Park Police (USPP) has announced a search for information regarding the anti-Israel protesters accused of assaulting officers and vandalizing property in Washington, DC. 

"We’re seeking information to help identify members of the crowd who assaulted officers or damaged property," the USPP stated that protesters ignited small fires and set flags ablaze at Columbus Circle, located outside Union Station.

Protesters release maggots and crickets inside Watergate Hotel

Reports indicate that activists released larvae in a renowned DC hotel as a form of protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the capital.

Netanyahu visited DC to meet with lawmakers and address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday. Protesters against Israel have convened across the capital to demonstrate against his visit, focusing on the Watergate Hotel where he is believed to be staying.

A video from the hotel depicts maggots and crickets dispersed in shared areas, including a scene with a table covered in mealworms against the backdrop of the Israeli and American flags.

"Palestine protestors manufactured chaos at the Watergate Hotel last night so that Netanyahu, Israeli Mossad agents, and the Secret Service had no peace as they continue to terrorize our people," The DMV chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement shared a post on their social media, accompanied by the video.

Benjamin Netanyahu shares a message for protesters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to the protest saying, "I have a message for these protesters. When the tyrants of Tehran, who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair, are praising, promoting and funding you, you have officially become Iran's useful idiots."

He added, "Some of these protesters hold up signs proclaiming gays for Gaza. They might as well hold up signs saying ‘Chickens for KFC.’ These protesters chant ‘From the river to the sea.’ But many don't have a clue what river and what sea they're talking about."

At least 23 pro-Hamas demonstrators arrested by law enforcement agencies

As of Wednesday evening, different law enforcement agencies arrested a total of 23 individuals identified as pro-Hamas agitators.

The United States Park Police (USPP) issued a statement declaring that a minimum of eight anti-Israel protesters were detained on Wednesday afternoon amid a disorderly demonstration.

By 6.00 pm, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) had apprehended at least nine additional individuals, and the United States Capitol Police (USCP) had taken six more into custody.

"Following efforts by the United States Park Police to calm the crowd, which continued to ignore law enforcement instructions, the permit for the event was revoked at approximately 3.30 pm today and everyone was directed to leave the area," the press release stated as per Fox News.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has arrested nine individuals ranging in age from 15 to 32, with charges including Assault on a Police Officer and Crossing a Police Line.

The United States Park Police (USPP) has announced that National Park Service conservators are scheduled to start the removal of red paint from the statues and fountains at Columbus Circle on, July 25, morning.

"It may take multiple treatments over several days to remove all of it," the statement added.

Anyone with information is asked to email USPP_tipline@nps.gov or call 202-379-4877, according to the USPP.

Internet finds the protest 'ridiculous'

Social media users reacted to the videos of the protests. One user wrote, "I don’t understand how any of this is acceptable. If the get arrested they’ll just be released immediately and not charged with anything either."

Another user said, "Surely this isn’t in their designated protest zone… Why aren’t the Capitol police taking action. J6 saw tear gas fired into peaceful crowds but with violent protestors, nothing?"

The third commentator demanded, "Lock them all up! ENOUGH already"

"This is ridiculous!" One remarked.

A person remarked, "Sickening pure sickening! Why aren’t police there protecting our flags?"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.