Staff Reports
It was a wild and crazy day in the nation’s capital as a group of anti-Israel protesters staged an illegal rally in the iconic Capitol Rotunda. This group, led by the controversial activist Linda Sarsour, chanted “Not another nickel! Not another dime! No more money for Israel’s crimes!” while waving their “Stop Arming Israel” signs.
Dozens arrested in Capitol Rotunda at anti-Israel rally led by Linda Sarsour https://t.co/aNQEjDECO7 via @nypost
Bet they get immediate bail and are not thrown into the hell hole the J6th protesters are
— Nevergiveup (@Nevergi95414627) December 20, 2023
The Capitol Police were on high alert, knowing that this group planned to take a tour of the US Capitol Building and then start their illegal protest. They were ready and waiting for the moment the law was broken. As soon as the protesters crossed the line by demonstrating inside the Congressional Buildings, the Capitol Police swooped in and arrested roughly 60 people for violating D.C. Code § 22–1307 — Crowding, Obstructing, or Incommoding.
Conservatives were quick to condemn the rare Rotunda protest, with some even likening it to the January 6th Capitol riot. Commentator Rogan O’Handley didn’t hold back, tweeting, “Linda Sarsour and her band of anti-semites are now insurrecting the Capitol.
Even Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) weighed in, tweeting, “Insurrection happening now in the Capital! Is that Linda Sarsour leading the Pro-Hamas Anti-Israel insurrectionists? Very serious ties to terrorists & Progressive Democrats if it’s her. Arrest them all and throw them in the DC gulag in solitary confinement just like J6’ers!”
Linda Sarsour, known for her involvement in the Women’s March and her strong views on the Israel-Palestinian conflict, has been a lightning rod for criticism. Her advocacy for the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) campaign and her controversial remarks have drawn outrage from both parties.
Critics have pointed to Sarsour’s lack of compassion and empathy, especially regarding the recent terrorist attack on southern Israel. The Anti-Defamation League CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt, called her lack of decency “prejudiced, full stop,” and highlighted her incendiary remarks about Zionism.
Even President Biden’s campaign distanced itself from Sarsour, condemning her views and opposing BDS. The drama continues to swirl around Sarsour, with her Muslim advocacy group, MPower Change, remaining silent in the face of the chaos.
The political divide over US aid to Israel also came into play, with House Republicans approving $14.3 billion in military aid, while the Democratic-held Senate has been trying to attach more aid for Ukraine. The battle over international aid and the tense situation in the Middle East has added fuel to the fiery debate.
