WASHINGTON — US Capitol Police say at least three people have been charged with assault on a police officer while processing close to 300 arrests during a protest near the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.
The people were arrested during a protest by organizations calling for a cease-fire in Gaza as part of the Israel-Hamas war.
"A large group of protesters are walking in the roadway around the House side of the Capitol Complex. For safety reasons, we have temporary rolling road closures in effect," US Capitol Police tweeted.
An organization called Jewish Voice For Peace says on its website events page about its protests, "Many of us are mourning our Israeli and Palestinian friends and loved ones. We are in pain and grief, trying to process a week of horrific violence that has left so many that we know injured, traumatized, kidnapped, or killed. But we refuse to let our grief be weaponized to justify the murder of more Palestinians. As American Jews, we demand a ceasefire now. No genocide in our name."
Protestors were inside and outside of the Cannon House Office Building when they were arrested, which is across the street from the Capitol.
The organization If Not Now posted on Twitter, "As hundreds of Jews and allies for ceasefire are being arrested in the Capital Building, thousands more are rallying outside. Our movement for ending apartheid and fighting for safety, freedom, and equality for all is growing stronger each and every day."
The protest near the Capitol has cleared.