Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Around 60 demonstrators were arrested on Friday near the U.S. Capitol after breaching a police line composed of bike racks and advancing toward the steps leading to the Capitol Rotunda, as reported by Capitol Police.
Organizers of the protest, which comprised veterans and military family members, intended to stage a sit-in at the Capitol steps. Their demonstration aimed to voice opposition to President Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and active-duty Marines in Los Angeles to respond to ongoing anti-ICE protests. Additionally, the event sought to criticize a military parade scheduled for the following day.
This military parade coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday. Earlier in the week, the president warned that anyone protesting at the parade would encounter “very heavy force.” However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified that Trump remains supportive of peaceful protests.
A separate group of about 75 protesters held a peaceful demonstration Friday night at the Supreme Court, which is situated just across the street from the Capitol, according to a statement issued by Capitol Police.
Moments later, approximately 60 demonstrators began to leave the Supreme Court area, prompting officers to establish a perimeter using bike racks to keep protesters at a distance from the Capitol.
Capitol Police reported, “A few people pushed the bike rack down and illegally crossed the police line while running towards the Rotunda Steps. Our officers immediately blocked the group and began making arrests.” In quick succession, officers proceeded to arrest the roughly 60 demonstrators.
All individuals taken into custody will face charges for unlawful demonstration and crossing a police line. Some could also endure additional charges, including assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest.
Two of the arrested individuals were transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
The protest was organized by two advocacy groups: About Face: Veterans Against the War and Veterans for Peace. Brittany Ramos DeBarros, an Army combat veteran and Organizing Director of About Face, emphasized their message with a statement, saying, “We want a future where we invest in care for veterans, health care, and education, rather than spending $50 million on a parade.”
Despite anticipated rain, the Army plans to celebrate its 250th birthday on Saturday. Organizers expect up to 200,000 people to participate in various events around the Capitol. The military parade, projected to cost around $45 million, will feature soldiers and military equipment, including tanks and aircraft.
This protest reflects a growing discontent among many veterans regarding U.S. military spending priorities. Demonstrators argue that funds allocated to extravagant celebrations and military displays could be better used for pressing needs.
Statements from the organizers underline the belief that focusing on communities and the needs of veterans could result in substantial positive outcomes. Furthermore, many participants in the protest share a common vision for accessible healthcare and support programs for those who have served.
The arrest of the demonstrators on Friday serves as a reminder of the tensions surrounding military policy and the role of veterans in shaping public discourse on these issues. Protesters say it’s a crucial time to advocate for veterans’ rights and speak against policies they view as detrimental to their communities.
As the nation prepares for the military parade, varying opinions continue to emerge regarding its significance and the spending involved. Some view such displays as paramount for national pride, while others believe they represent misplaced priorities amidst ongoing social issues.
Advocates for veterans’ rights and social justice continue to make their voices heard, pushing back against policies they believe undermine the dignity and well-being of those who have served. The events surrounding the demonstration outside the Capitol signify a broader movement aimed at fostering dialogue on these critical concerns.
In light of the ongoing protests and arrests, the situation remains dynamic. Both supporters and opponents of the military parade prepare for continued discussions as public sentiment evolves.
