Benjamin Netanyahu’s U.S. Capitol speech went smoothly overall. Aside from Rashida Tlaib’s sign accusing our steadfast ally of being a war criminal and a few protesters, Netanyahu delivered his remarks without interruption. As a seasoned politician, he handled the disruptions adeptly.
The real action was happening outside.
As Netanyahu delivered his speech, pro-Palestinian protesters decided it was time for some flag-swapping at Washington, D.C.’s iconic Union Station. Down came the Stars and Stripes, and up went a large Palestinian flag, sending an unmistakable message.
But they didn’t stop there. They torched the American flag and proceeded to vandalize the grounds, setting social media ablaze with fiery footage.
Anti Israel protesters burn the American flags they removed from flag posts at Union Station in DC https://t.co/C7eeionfhI pic.twitter.com/Q8OcYSHvKO
— Timcast News (@TimcastNews) July 24, 2024
Outside Union Station in DC now. Lots of vandalism of the statues and Freedom Bell, including big praise for Hamas. pic.twitter.com/1D6XCMFX5j
— Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) July 24, 2024
I just took this picture from my Senate office.
Less than a mile from the U.S. Capitol, pro-Hamas protestors have taken down and burned AMERICAN FLAGS at Union Station to fly Palestinian flags.
Absolutely SHAMEFUL. pic.twitter.com/jwfZHlb9xZ
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) July 24, 2024
By Wednesday evening, roads around the Capitol and Union Square were still closed, a testament to the determination of leftist protesters. But the most bizarre twist? Rioters decided to turn the Watergate Hotel into their personal insectarium.
Bugs on Parade at the Watergate
Yes, you read that right. Maggots, mealworms and crickets were unleashed into the hotel where Netanyahu’s delegation is reportedly staying. Videos posted to X showed conference tables covered with crawling critters. American and Israeli flags played host to this impromptu bug parade.
The hotel confirmed the “unfortunate incident” and reassured everyone that the property had been sanitized. Staff are cooperating with authorities, proving that even in chaos, there’s a silver lining of professionalism.
The Hill reports:
“Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our guests and staff. We took the necessary steps to ensure the property has been sanitized and is now operating as normal. We are cooperating fully with authorities, who are handling the situation,” the spokesperson wrote.
It was not immediately clear which authorities were leading the investigation. The Hill reached out to the hotel and Netanyahu’s office for further comment.
The D.C., Maryland and Virginia chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement reposted a video of the maggots on Instagram and said fire alarms were also set off for more than 30 minutes in the building “to ensure there will be no rest before Netanyahu and Congress disgrace themselves in front of the world.”
“There will be no peace, there will be no rest, until the war criminal’s arrest,” the Instagram post caption read.
As the president of the Senate, Vice President Kamala Harris would have typically presided over Netanyahu’s speech, but she chose not to attend.
Stay tuned for more updates and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments. What’s your take on what should happen to the rioters? Let’s get the conversation buzzing!
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