A Democratic congressman has shared his experience of feeling terrified while being trapped inside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters during an attack by a violent mob of leftist rioters.
While many Democrats often refer to the January 6 Capitol riot as one of the most dangerous and frightening incidents in the nation’s history, this unnamed representative disclosed that anti-Israel protesters outside the DNC headquarters “scared me more than January 6.”
The incident involved a violent clash between law enforcement and protesters demanding an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
🚨#BREAKING: Pro-Palestine Protesters are Clashing with Metro DC Police Outside Democratic National Committee Headquarters
⁰📌#Washington | #DC⁰
Currently Hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters have gathered outside the Democratic National Committee Headquarters in Washington,… pic.twitter.com/sNEzM2wRIC— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 16, 2023
According to Axios, six Capitol Police officers received treatment for various injuries after a violent altercation. Simultaneously, IfNotNow, the radical leftist anti-Israel organization behind the protest, claimed over 90 protesters were injured by the police in what they deemed a “one-sided” confrontation outside the DNC.
As the clash unfolded, Democratic members of Congress, including those in the House Minority leadership team, found themselves trapped inside the building during a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee candidate event. Both the DNC headquarters and a nearby House office building were locked down temporarily until the “peaceful” protest turned violent.
Once order was restored, frightened Democratic members were safely evacuated. One unnamed House Democrat, recalling the ordeal, expressed that the violent incident “scared me more than January 6,” emphasizing the fear of being unable to leave until calm was restored.
“Someone sent out word for people to come [back] and police said it’s not safe,” the Democratic legislator said.
“Police were wearing gas masks … this was not peaceful.”
Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL), another Democrat who was present during the far-left riot, publicly shared his experience in a thread of tweets and wrote:
“I was just evacuated from the @dccc office after the building was surrounded by protestors who had blocked all modes of ingress and egress.
“Grateful to Capitol Police for getting all members and staff out safely.”
“To the protestors: PLEASE don’t do something irresponsible,” he continued.
“You have the Constitutional right to peaceably assemble and protest.
“But blocking all entries to a building with multiple members of Congress in it, protected by Capitol Police officers who have lived through January 6 is putting you and other innocent people at risk.”
“We were rescued by armed officers who did not know the protestors’ intent; they knew only that Members of Congress were inside, could not leave and that protestors would not let police through,” the Democrat lawmaker added.
“Forcing police to guess intent is irresponsible and dangerous.
“I am grateful for the USCP’s professionalism and that all were safely evacuated.
“I’m also keenly aware that it could have been much worse.
“Americans have a right to assemble and protest.
“But PLEASE do so at a safe distance and respect local police orders.”