On the evening of January 20th, 2022, President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address was met with a major disruption as a group of Free Palestine protestors blocked his motorcade in Washington, DC. The protestors, who were gathered outside the Capitol building, held signs and chanted slogans calling for an end to US support for Israel and the establishment of a free and independent Palestinian state.
The incident occurred as President Biden was leaving the Capitol building following his address to Congress. His motorcade was unable to proceed as planned due to the presence of the protestors, who formed a human chain blocking the road. Security personnel on the scene attempted to disperse the crowd, but the protestors remained steadfast in their blockade.
The Free Palestine protestors were a diverse group of individuals, including members of various Palestinian solidarity organizations, as well as supporters of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Many of the protestors were holding signs with messages such as “End the Occupation” and “Free Palestine Now,” while others chanted slogans condemning US military aid to Israel.
The protest was organized in response to President Biden’s recent decision to approve a $735 million arms sale to Israel, despite ongoing human rights violations and violence against Palestinians. The protestors argued that US military aid to Israel only serves to perpetuate the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and contribute to the suffering of the Palestinian people.
In a statement released following the protest, a spokesperson for the Free Palestine organizers said, “We are here to send a clear message to President Biden and Congress that the American people do not support the illegal occupation of Palestine. We demand an end to US military aid to Israel and support the establishment of a free and independent Palestinian state.”
The protest drew attention from media outlets around the world, with many highlighting the boldness of the protestors in disrupting a high-profile event such as the State of the Union address. The incident also sparked a debate among lawmakers and political commentators about the US government’s relationship with Israel and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
President Biden, who was escorted safely to his destination by Secret Service agents, did not comment on the protest as he left the Capitol building. However, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki later addressed the incident in a press briefing, stating that President Biden respects the right to peaceful protest but remains committed to the US-Israel alliance.
The Free Palestine protest is just the latest in a series of demonstrations and actions taken by activists and organizations to raise awareness about the plight of the Palestinian people. With the Israeli occupation entering its seventh decade and ongoing violence in the region, many are calling for a renewed focus on achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
As the sun set on Washington, DC, the Free Palestine protestors dispersed peacefully, but their message resonated throughout the city and beyond. The blockade of President Biden’s motorcade was a powerful reminder that the struggle for Palestinian rights is far from over, and that the voices of those who stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people will not be silenced..