US: CODEPINK Activists Arrested in Senate Protest for Gaza Ceasefire
Protesters advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza disrupted a Senate hearing on Tuesday, where US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was testifying, Excel Magazine International reports.
A crowd of demonstrators repeatedly chanted “Ceasefire now!” while Secretary Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin were addressing the White House’s national security funding request, totaling $106 billion (£87.4 billion).
Within the proposed funding, $14.3 billion is allocated to support Israel’s military efforts against Hamas.
Protesters, one by one, stood up, waiting for Secretary Blinken to begin his testimony before raising their voices over his speech. These interruptions led to multiple suspensions of the hearing as lawmakers were forced to pause.
Capitol Police promptly escorted the protesters out of the Dirksen Senate Office Building, resulting in the arrest of 12 persons for unauthorized protests inside the Senate building.
Some of the protesters were affiliated with the anti-war group CODEPINK, which not only calls for a ceasefire but also urges the US to halt weapon shipments to Ukraine.
Many of the demonstrators wore pink attire and held signs reading “No to the siege of Gaza” as they demanded an end to US funding for Israel.
CODEPINK confirmed that some of its members were among those arrested, with some even symbolizing their cause by painting their hands red, signifying blood.
Protesters, with their red-painted hands raised, loudly exclaimed, “Save the children of Gaza!”
At the end of his statement, Secretary Blinken acknowledged the protesters and expressed understanding of the passion in the room. He emphasized the commitment to protecting civilian lives and ending the suffering taking place.
Nevertheless, he stressed the importance of the US standing by its allies.
Secretary Blinken, along with Secretary Austin, aims to garner support from lawmakers for President Joe Biden’s comprehensive national security package. This package includes:
– $61.4 billion for Ukraine’s defense
– $9.2 billion for humanitarian assistance
– $2 billion for Indo-Pacific security
– $10.9 billion for southern border security and migrant issues
