Jul 25, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Harris condemns "despicable acts" at D.C. Netanyahu protest

Avery Lotz

A man spray paints "Hamas" on a statue. — A person spray paints on the base of the Christopher Columbus Memorial Fountain as pro-Palestinian demonstrators protest near the US Capitol. Photo: ANDREW THOMAS/AFP via Getty Images

Vice President Kamala Harris denounced "unpatriotic protestors" at a demonstration in Washington, D.C., where an American flag was burned and several were arrested.

Why it matters: Harris did not attend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Wednesday address to a joint session of Congress, citing a prior commitment, as her approach to the Israel-Hamas war is sure to be closely watched in the early days of her presidential campaign.

The massive protest spread across the city in response to the Israeli leader's speech, which about half of House and Senate Democrats skipped.

What they're saying: "I condemn any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews," the vice president wrote in a statement released Thursday addressing the protest at Columbus Circle.

Videos of the crowd outside D.C.'s Union Station showed demonstrators setting ablaze an American flag and replacing a U.S. flag on a pole with a Palestinian one. "Hamas is coming" was spray painted along the base of a statue in red lettering.
"That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America," Harris continued. "It should never be desecrated in that way."
U.S. Park Police said officers arrested eight people at Columbus Circle after the protest's permit was revoked Wednesday afternoon, and as of Wednesday evening, D.C. Metropolitan police had made nine arrests.

Catch up quick: During a March speech, Harris called for "an immediate ceasefire" in the Israel-Hamas war as part of a hostage deal.

She demanded the Israeli government do more to supply aid to the starving Gaza population.
"We have seen reports of families eating leaves and animal feed, children dying from malnutrition and dehydration," she said. "Too many innocent Palestinian have been killed."

Zoom out: The "uncommitted" movement driven by anti-war voters manifested once again in Michigan when Pro-Palestinian Democrats became the only delegates from the state who voted against endorsing Harris.

But if she engages with ceasefire demands that include the release of hostages, "Our uncommitted national movement will do everything in our power to mobilize the 730,000 people who voted uncommitted to vote for Vice President Harris," one delegate told Axios.

Go deeper: DNC protest plans continue with Kamala Harris as presumptive nominee

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Harris condemns "despicable acts" at D.C. Netanyahu protest

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