Authorities are searching for multiple suspects in Washington, D.C., who are accused of attacking a police officer and damaging government property during an anti-Israel protest last week, according to officials on Tuesday.
The U.S. Park Police is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying six individuals connected to the events that transpired at approximately 3 p.m. on July 24 at Columbus Circle near Union Station.
The protest coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the Capitol for a speech to Congress.
Fox News reported that at least one masked protester was seen carrying what seemed to be the flag of the terrorist organization Hamas, while others were heard chanting, “Allahu Akbar.”
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Authorities are seeking to identify six individuals involved in the assault of a police officer and vandalism of federal property at Columbus Circle in Washington, D.C., on July 24. (U.S. Park Police)
During the event at Union Station, protesters burned an American flag and defaced a statue of Christopher Columbus with the slogan, “Hamas is coming.” They also removed an American flag from the station’s exterior and substituted it with a Palestinian flag.
Authorities are seeking to identify six individuals involved in the assault of a police officer and vandalism of federal property at Columbus Circle in Washington, D.C., on July 24. (U.S. Park Police)
Additional statues and monuments, including the Freedom Bell, were also reported to have suffered damage.
Authorities are seeking to identify six individuals involved in the assault of a police officer and vandalism of federal property at Columbus Circle in Washington, D.C., on July 24. (U.S. Park Police)
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The demonstration was organized by a group named “Arrest Netanyahu,” as reported by FOX5 DC.
A pro-Palestinian activist tags graffiti on the Christopher Columbus Memorial Fountain at Union Station on July 24 in Washington, D.C. (REUTERS/Nathan Howard)
At least eight participants in the anti-Israel protest are facing federal charges after confrontations with law enforcement officials.
Demonstrators supporting Palestine are seen burning a U.S. flag in Washington, D.C., on July 24 as Prime Minister Netanyahu speaks to a joint session of Congress. (REUTERS/Nathan Howard)
Sources from Fox News indicate that local prosecutors in Washington, D.C., have dismissed lesser charges against other individuals apprehended during the protest. Officials noted that this investigation is ongoing and further charges could be forthcoming.
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Anyone with any information about the individuals sought is encouraged to contact the United States Park Police, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism Unit, via their anonymous tip line at (202) 379-4877 or at uspp_tipline@nps.gov.
Fox News’ Danielle Wallace, Brie Stimson, Jake Gibson, and Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.
