WHITE HOUSE BEING EVACUATED DUE TO PROTESTS Reports are emerging that all non-essential White House staff have been told to evacuate as a massive group of Pro Palestinian protesters pushes up on the fences.
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White House Evacuates Non-Essential Staff Amidst Protests Over Gaza War
Washington, Jan 13 (EFE).- The U.S. Secret Service temporarily evacuated non-essential White House personnel on Saturday as a mass protest against the Gaza war unfolded in Washington. The move followed demonstrations near the presidential residence, with President Joe Biden absent, staying at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland.
The protest, calling for a ceasefire and an end to U.S. support for Israel, resulted in significant damage to temporary fences around the White House. Organizers estimated around 25,000 participants.
Since the conflict began, Israeli bombings in the Gaza Strip have claimed over 23,000 lives, and more than 1.9 million people, constituting 85 percent of the population, have been displaced. The evacuation was prompted by concerns about breaching the security fence as protesters, demanding peace for Gaza, confronted law enforcement, causing temporary damage to the security barriers.
Pro-Palestinian Protesters Challenge White House Security, Prompting Evacuation
White House staff faced relocation as thousands of pro-Palestine demonstrators gathered, threatening to breach security fences and symbolically hurling bloodied dolls over the perimeter. Law enforcement, equipped in riot gear, confronted the crowd as they shook the metal barriers, causing temporary damage.
Video footage captured the intense scene, with portions of the fencing pushed back, leading Secret Service operatives to prevent any potential breach. The global day of protests marked 100 days since the October 7 Hamas attack, resulting in 1,200 casualties and numerous hostages.
Protesters Chant ‘F–k Joe Biden’ Outside White House, Prompting Evacuation
Pro-Palestinian supporters chanted “f–k Joe Biden” as they nearly tore down a reinforced fence outside the White House during a charged protest. Non-essential personnel were evacuated as a precaution, and the Secret Service confirmed the temporary damage to the anti-scale fencing.
Video footage revealed the crowd vigorously shaking the fence, partially dislodging it, while hurling objects at law enforcement. Some protesters attempted to climb the fence, expressing anger over U.S. support for Israel and the situation in Gaza.
While the anti-scale fencing sustained temporary damage, the White House fence and adjacent buildings were untouched. The Secret Service promptly repaired the issues on-site, and no arrests were reported.
The demonstration focused on condemning Israeli military action in Gaza, with participants carrying signs criticizing President Biden and expressing solidarity with the victims in the conflict. The rally highlighted the substantial death toll in Gaza over the 100 days since Israel’s retaliation for the October 7 Hamas attack.
What Led to the White House Evacuation During the Gaza War Protest?
The evacuation of non-essential White House personnel amid protests over the Gaza war was triggered by a massive demonstration in Washington, D.C. As tensions escalated, concerns arose about breaching the security fence as protesters demanded a ceasefire and an end to U.S. support for Israel. The White House staff faced relocation due to the threat posed by thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators who symbolically hurled bloodied dolls over the perimeter and shook the metal barriers, causing temporary damage.
Pro-Palestinian Protesters Challenge White House Security
The global day of protests marked 100 days since the October 7 Hamas attack, resulting in 1,200 casualties and numerous hostages. Law enforcement, equipped in riot gear, confronted the crowd as portions of the fencing were pushed back. Video footage captured the intense scene, highlighting the challenges faced by the Secret Service in preventing any potential breach.
The October 7 Hamas Attack and Global Day of Protests
The protest gained momentum as participants condemned Israeli military action in Gaza, carrying signs criticizing President Biden and expressing solidarity with the victims in the conflict. The rally brought attention to the substantial death toll in Gaza, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the ongoing crisis.
Key Points:
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | January 13, 2024 |
| Protest Scale | Approximately 25,000 participants |
| Reason for Evacuation | Concerns about breaching the security fence during pro-Palestinian demonstrations |
| Damage Incurred | Temporary damage to security barriers and anti-scale fencing |
| Global Day of Protests | Marking 100 days since the October 7 Hamas attack in Gaza |
| Protest Focus | Condemnation of Israeli military action, demands for a ceasefire, and an end to U.S. support for Israel |
| Symbolic Actions | Participants symbolically hurled bloodied dolls over the White House perimeter |
| Law Enforcement Response | Confrontation with riot gear, efforts to prevent breaches, and repair of damaged fencing on-site |
| October 7 Hamas Attack | Initial trigger for global protests, resulting in 1,200 casualties and numerous hostages |
| President’s Location During Protest | President Joe Biden absent, staying at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland |
| Solidarity with Gaza Victims | Protesters carried signs expressing solidarity with the victims in the Gaza conflict |
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did the White House evacuate non-essential staff during the Gaza war protest?
The evacuation was prompted by concerns about breaching the security fence as pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered, demanding a ceasefire and an end to U.S. support for Israel.
2. What was the scale of the protest outside the White House?
Approximately 25,000 participants took part in the protest, marking 100 days since the October 7 Hamas attack in Gaza.
3. What symbolic actions were taken by the protesters during the demonstration?
Protesters symbolically hurled bloodied dolls over the White House perimeter, emphasizing the human cost of the conflict in Gaza.
4. Was there damage to the White House security barriers?
Yes, there was temporary damage to both the security barriers and the anti-scale fencing, necessitating the evacuation and prompt on-site repairs by the Secret Service.
5. Why were protesters chanting “f–k Joe Biden”?
The chant reflected the protesters’ discontent with U.S. support for Israel and President Biden’s perceived role in the Gaza conflict.
6. How did law enforcement respond to the protest?
Law enforcement, equipped in riot gear, confronted the crowd, preventing potential breaches, and promptly repairing the temporary damage to the fencing.
7. Where was President Joe Biden during the protest?
President Joe Biden was absent from the White House, staying at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland during the demonstration.
