Protest: Free Palestine March in DC — 11/4/23

Description: “Largest pro-Palestine rally in the United States”
Date: November 4th, 2023
Location: Approx. 1km radius around White House, District of Columbia, United States.
Crowd Estimates: >10,000
Responding Agencies: Metropolitan Police (incl. Bike Patrol Unit, K9 Unit, Air Support Unit — N911DC), US Park Police, Secret Service, Fire EMS

Incident Summary

On November 4th, a massive crowd occupied the streets within a 1KM+ radius of the White House in DC. The crowd expressed their support for a ceasefire for the Palestine-Israel war. Multiple reports of statue defacement and property damage, with at least one (1) arrest for an incident at McDonalds. Verbal confrontations along Penn. Ave. reported. No documented trespass of White House perimeter. Law enforcement and EMS were visible on scene. Street medics were also reported operating in the area.

Pre-Incident Context

While the U.S. government is not an active combatant in the Palestine-Israel war, it is actively providing military aid in the form of munitions, combat vehicles, and operational intelligence to the Israeli government.

The Israeli government is currently directing civilians in Gaza to flee to the south of the strip to prevent further casualties. However, there are multiple reports of Israeli authorities striking along the “safe route” as well as the Gaza-Egypt border with what is believed to be American munitions. Israel has been justifying some of these bombardments by claiming the area was occupied by Hamas resistance group members.

At the time of writing, 9,448 civilian casualties were reported by the Palestinian Health Ministry.

The crowd supporting a ceasefire condemns the U.S. government’s support for Israel and their bombardments on civilians and civilian infrastructure (hospitals, UN schools, etc).

Post-Incident Developments

The Secret Service has added new barriers in front of the White House, specifically along Pennsylvania Avenue. (Refer to Supplemental SUPP21 below)

Map

With the help of a video from LLN NYC and multiple Tweets, we were able to document the route used by the people attending the protest. Refer to SUPP01 to SUPP10. The route is as follows:

Freedom Plaza -> Franklin Park -> Farragut Square -> Lafayette Square

A map showing the approximate route used by protesters. Keep in mind that protesters may not always abide by the route shown. There may have also been other areas used by protesters.

We also documented defaced statues throughout the route. Refer to SUPP11 to SUPP13. Statues include:

• Benjamin Franklin
• Mayor Marion Barry
• General Andre Jackson
• General Marquis de Lafayette

A map of defaced statues along the route. Refer to Supplemental

We noted at least two (2) Starbucks and one (1) McDonalds being vandalized along the route. Refer to SUPP15 to SUPP20.

A map of defaced/vandalized establishments, specifically two (2) Starbucks and one (1) McDonalds

Supplemental

SUPP01 — A shot of Freedom Plaza

SUPP02 — POV of the east side of Freedom Plaza

SUPP03 — Report of street medic activity

SUPP04 — Additional POV from the east of Freedom Plaza

SUPP05 — The start of the route immediately north of Freedom Plaza’s stage.

SUPP06 — Biden staffers spotted on scene

SUPP07 — POV north west of the White House reaching Lafayette Square

SUPP08 — A POV from Lafayette Square

SUPP09 — Protesters praying north of the White House.

SUPP10 — Additional images throughout DC

SUPP11 — Defaced Benjamin Franklin

SUPP12 — A quote RT regarding defaced statues

SUPP13 — Additional reports of defaced statues

SUPP14 — Report of Pro-Palestinian graffiti. Location to be determined.

SUPP15 — Vandalized Starbucks #1, north east of the White House

SUPP16 — Another POV of defaced Starbucks #1 north east of the White House

SUPP17 — Yet another POV of defaced Starbucks #1

SUPP18 — Metropolitan Police’s Bike Patrol Units in front of Starbucks #2 north of the White House

SUPP19 — Metropolitan Police’s K9 Officer spotted confronting protesters in front of Starbucks #2

SUPP20 — A defaced McDonalds, located north west of the White House. Poster claims there was at least one (1) arrest made from the vandalism.

SUPP21 — Post Incident-Development: Secret Service officers adding additional barriers along Penn. Ave.