Protesters disrupt Biden’s route to State of the Union Address as they demand Gaza ceasefire
Washington, D.C. (Quds News Network) – In a bold demonstration ahead of President Joe Biden’s 2024 State of the Union Address, a large group of protestors advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza assembled outside the White House and near the Capitol, creating a significant disruption.
The protest, calling for an immediate end to the Israeli onslaught on Gaza, forced President Biden to change his route to the Capitol on Thursday.
Participants in the demonstration wore shirts emblazoned with the stark message “Biden Legacy = Genocide” and unfolded a massive Palestinian flag across Pennsylvania Avenue. They formed a human blockade that stopped traffic, spotlighting their demand for peace and an end to the violence.
A large ceasefire protest last night blocked the motorcade route of US President, Joe Biden, from reaching the US Capitol for the State of the Union address in protest against Biden's ongoing support for the genocide in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/AVshf9AvZ5
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) March 8, 2024
The determined presence of the protestors prompted a rerouting of President Biden’s motorcade. CNN reported that, due to the protest, the President’s journey to the Capitol had to be adjusted to avoid the crowds, underscoring the impact of the demonstration.
Although the area was heavily fortified with police vehicles and a significant number of law enforcement officers, the protest was reported to remain largely peaceful. This peaceful assembly highlighted the demonstrators’ commitment to voicing their demands without resorting to violence.
As President Biden commenced his address inside, the protest outside began to wind down, but smaller groups persisted. These smaller contingents continued to march around the Capitol, chanting “Free Palestine,” a resonant plea for change that echoed to the doorstep of American governance on a day typically reserved for presidential vision setting.
Critics of the Biden administration have pointed out its staunch alliance with Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Despite acknowledging the indiscriminate nature of Israel’s airstrikes, the administration’s policies have been scrutinized for supporting actions deemed by some as contributing to war crimes.
