NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – A New York state man was accused of attacking multiple Capitol Police officers Wednesday night during a 200-person protest over the Israel-Hamas war outside the Democratic National Committee’s Washington headquarters.
According to Capitol Police, protesters refused to follow officers’ “lawful orders” to move away from the building, where members of Congress were.
Ruben Arthur Camacho, 24, of Woodridge in Sullivan County, was arrested for allegedly slamming an officer into a garage door and punching a female officer in the face, officials said.
Police said another officer witnessed the events.
“We have handled hundreds of peaceful protests, but last night’s group was not peaceful,” police said in a statement Thursday.
Protesters allegedly moved dumpsters to block DNC exits and pepper-sprayed officers, and in response police “quickly introduced consequences” which included pulling people off the building, pushing them back and clearing the area to allow congressmen and staff to evacuate.
Police reported that six officers were treated for minor injuries.
Jewish Voice for Peace Action, IfNotNow and Democratic Socialists of America, the organizers of the protest calling for a ceasefire in the war, claimed the demonstration was nonviolent and accused Capitol Police of injuring over 90 protesters.