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Washington DC singes during Netanyahu’s Congress address, US flags burnt amidst ‘Allahu Akbar’ chants

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Washington DC singes during Netanyahu’s Congress address, US flags burnt amidst ‘Allahu Akbar’ chants


In demonstrations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the US, protesters burnt American flags and hoisted Palestinian flags outside Washington’s Union Station. The demonstrators demanded the US stop military aid to Israel.

Crowd burns American flags in Washington to protest Netanyahu’s visit (@TimcastNews screenshot/X)

Police reportedly used pepper spray on some of the thousands of demonstrators who had gathered outside the US Capitol while Netanyahu addressed Congress. Capitol Police said “part of the crowd has started to become violent.” The crowd was heard chanting “free Palestine,” “stop bombing Gaza,” and “Netanyahu you can’t hide.”

People were heard chanting “Allahu Akbar” while burning the American flag.

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‘I expect them to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law’

The invitation for Netanyahu to speak had been extended by House Speaker Mike Johnson. It received massive criticism from people who are against Israel’s invasion of Gaza. According to health authorities, the invasion has resulted in the deaths of almost 40,000 residents, USA Today reported.

“Pro-terror, anti-Israel agitators are vandalizing federal property, removing American flags, and replacing them with Palestinian flags steps away from the United States Capitol. This is inexcusable, and I expect them to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), a member of Senate GOP leadership, posted on X, sharing images from the scene.

 

Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, wrote, “Hamas flags, slogans about killing Jews, harassment of @CapitolPolice officers, vandalism, burnt American flags, & hanged effigies of PM Netanyahu. These are just some of the appalling scenes at protests around the U.S. Capitol today,” adding that this “vitriolic behavior goes beyond peaceful protests and free speech. It will only further incite violence.”

Non-Capitol Police officers were spotted making mass arrests near Union Station, Politico reported. The US Capitol Police said that “no flags under our protection have been removed or vandalized.”

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The police also said that the “crowd failed to obey our order to move back from our police line.” “We are deploying pepper spray towards anyone trying to break the law and cross that line,” they added.

Netanyahu blasted the protesters in his speech, saying, “When the tyrants of Tehran who hang gays from cranes and murder women for not covering their hair are praising, promoting, and funding you, you have officially become Iran’s useful idiots.”

Several demonstrators placed 30 human-size cardboard coffins that were wrapped in Palestinian flags.Various roads near the Capitol saw traffic being barred.



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DC leaders considering transit options for new RFK Stadium

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DC leaders considering transit options for new RFK Stadium


The Commanders are set to build a new stadium in D.C., and the debate over how fans will get to and from games is happening right now. On Wednesday, city leaders will join Metro and the Washington Commanders to talk stadium transit.



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D.C. Police Chief manipulated crime data; new House Oversight report

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D.C. Police Chief manipulated crime data; new House Oversight report


A new report from the House Oversight Committee alleges former D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith pressured officers to manipulate crime data. The committee released the report on Sunday, less than a week after Smith announced she was stepping down.

You’re lulling people into this false sense of security. They might go places they wouldn’t ordinarily go. They might do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do,” said Betsy Brantner Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association.

Included in the report were transcribed interviews with the commanders of all seven D.C. patrol districts and the former commander currently on suspended leave. One was asked, “Over the last few years, has there been any internal pressure to simply bring down crime statistics?” Their response, “Yes, I mean extremethere’s always been pressure to keep crime down, but the focus on statistics… has come in with this current administration.”

Every single person who lives, works, or visits the District of Columbia deserves a safe city, yet it’s now clear the American people were deliberately kept in the dark about the true crime rates in our nation’s capital,” House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY) said in a statement.

“They are going to have to regain the public trust. Again, this is a huge integrity issue,” Brantner Smith said.

Among the reports findings, Smith’s alleged pressured campaign against staff led to inaccurate crime data. Smith punished or removed officers for reporting accurate crime numbers. Smith fostered a toxic culture and President Trump’s federal law enforcement surge in D.C. is working.

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While Smith has not yet publicly responded to the report, she’s previously denied allegations of manipulating crime data, saying the investigation did not play a factor into her decision to step down at the end of the year.

My decision was not factored into anything with respect to, other than the fact that it’s time. I’ve had 28 years in law enforcement. I’ve had some time to think with my family,” Smith said earlier this month.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser also released a statement Monday, writing in part that “the interim report betrays its bias from the outset, admitting that it was rushed to release.”

According to crime stats from the Metropolitan Police Department, since the federal law enforcement surge started in August, total violent crime is down 26%. Homicides are down 12% and carjackings 37%.



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National Menorah Lighting in DC dedicated to Bondi Beach victims

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National Menorah Lighting in DC dedicated to Bondi Beach victims


The first candle lit on the National Menorah near the White House in Washington, D.C., marked the first night of Hanukkah — and solemnly honored victims of the Bondi Beach shooting.

The National Menorah Lighting was held Sunday night, hours after gunmen opened fire on a crowd celebrating the beginning of Hanukkah at Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach. Fifteen people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi and a Holocaust survivor, and over three dozen others were being treated at hospitals.

Authorities in Australia said it was a terrorist attack targeting Jewish people.

Organizers behind the National Menorah Lighting said the news from Australia, along with the bitter cold, forced them to consider whether or not to hold the annual event.

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After consulting with local law enforcement, National Menorah Lighting organizers decided to hold the event and honor the victims.

Several D.C.-area police departments issued statements confirming there are no known threats to local communities, but are monitoring just in case.

Montgomery County Executive Mark Elrich condemned the attack and said community safety is a priority.

“Acts of antisemitism, especially those meant to intimidate families and communities during moments of gathering and celebration, must be called out clearly and condemned without hesitation,” Elrich said. “I have heard directly from members of Montgomery County’s Jewish community who are shaken and concerned, and I want them to know that their safety is a priority.”

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