Hostages’ relatives detained at Capitol during Netanyahu visit as demonstrators outside are pepper-sprayed

WASHINGTON — U.S. Capitol Police used pepper spray to disperse a protest opposing a congressional visit from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while inside the chamber, six family members of hostages taken captive in Gaza were detained after a demonstration calling for a cease-fire.

Capitol Police posted to social media that protesters from ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) were pepper-sprayed Wednesday after they “failed to obey our order to move back from our police line.” Police also alleged that part of the group had become violent.

“We are deploying pepper spray towards anyone trying to break the law and cross that line,” police said.

Capitol Police confirmed later that six people were arrested in the House galleries during Netanyahu’s address to lawmakers.

Hostages’ relatives were detained after “standing in front of Netanyahu during his speech wearing yellow shirts with the inscription ‘Sign the Deal Now,'” the Hostages Families Forum Headquarters said in a statement. It said the group was later released.

The shirts referred to the group’s calls for Netanyahu to negotiate a cease-fire deal to free their loved ones.

The detained included Michael Levy, brother of hostage Or Levy; Alon Gat, brother of hostage Carmel Gat; Gil Dickmann, cousin of hostage Carmel Gat; Carmit Palty Katzir, sister of hostage Elad Katzir, who was murdered in captivity; and Leat Corinne, aunt of hostage Omer Shem Tov, the forum said. A sixth person was also detained.

In a video the group released Wednesday, Corinne thanked the Biden administration and Congress for inviting them to the address.

“We got arrested at this speech because we wore those shirts, just saying ‘Seal the deal.’ That was our crime,” Carmit Palty Katzir said.

Dickmann said: “Benjamin Netanyahu spoke for 54 minutes, and he did not mention once the need to seal the deal and to sign the deal now. That’s what he needs to do, sign the deal and release all the hostages now.”

Michael Levy said, “There won’t be any win before all hostages will be back home with their loved ones.”

Outside the Capitol, an NBC News producer witnessed some protesters getting close to the Capitol Police officers on the corner of Louisiana and Constitution avenues. The situation escalated quickly afterward, and members of the NBC News crews could feel the chemical on their skin.

The ANSWER Coalition posted video of the incident on X.

“Capitol police brutally pepper spray and tear gas protestors marching against war criminal Netanyahu!” the post said. “But the march continues. The people stand with Palestine!”

Protesters gathered outside Union Station, which is only a few minutes’ walking distance from the Capitol, where an NBC News crew witnessed people burn both American and Israeli flags and hoist the Palestinian flag onto three flagpoles in place of the American flag. Protesters also used spray paint to deface a replica of the Liberty Bell and a monument in front of Union Station with anti-Israel and war messaging and burned an effigy of Netanyahu. 

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Wednesday night, “American flags are once again flying over Union Station.”

U.S. Park Police said in a statement that a permit was revoked for gatherings in Columbus Circle, the area surrounding Union Station. Crowds were ordered to leave the area.

“A crowd in Columbus Circle is engaged in criminal activity and confronting law enforcement on scene,” the agency said. “USPP is attempting to deescalate and contact the event organizer for help.”

Netanyahu met with congressional legislators on Capitol Hill and delivered his first address to lawmakers since Oct. 7, when a Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel killed more than 1,200 civilians and soldiers and sparked a monthslong war in Gaza that estimated to have killed 39,000 Palestinians.

Protesters outside the Capitol stood behind a large canvas banner that reads “Arrest Netanyahu for Genocide” and planned to create a “people’s red line against genocide” and conduct a “citizen’s arrest” of Netanyahu.

The group gave attendees signs on wood posts with phrases like “free all Palestinian political prisoners” and “lift the siege on Gaza now,” as well as a “wanted” posted for Netanyahu.

Netanyahu’s address to congress

The International Criminal Court announced in May that it was seeking arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders to charge them with war crimes and crimes against humanity. President Joe Biden condemned the move as “outrageous,” and Netanyahu described it as “absurd.”

The ICC sought a similar warrant for Hamas militant leader Yahya Sinwar, as well as other Hamas officials believed responsible for the Oct. 7 attack and the subsequent invasion of Gaza by Israeli forces.

In addition, Netanyahu has faced domestic and international criticism of his handling of hostage negotiations since the war began. Families of five Israeli Americans who are being held hostage have urged Netanyahu to bring their loved ones home.

Protests in Israel have grown as people demand Netanyahu focus on striking a cease-fire deal. The Israeli military announced this week that two more hostages held in Gaza have died, bringing the number believed to have died in Hamas’ captivity to at least 46.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., the only Palestinian American in Congress, held a “war criminal” sign during Netanyahu’s speech as he criticized pro-Palestinian demonstrations in his address.

Netanyahu thanked Biden in his speech for all of his efforts to aid Israel and bring hostages home. Biden “came to Israel to stand with us during our darkest hour,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to former President Donald Trump for his past support of Israel.

Netanyahu asked the legislators for continued, bipartisan support of Israel as it fights Hamas. Notably, he did not shake hands with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

Schumer, the top-ranking Jewish politician, has been an outspoken supporter of Israel throughout his political career. But he also joined calls for Netanyahu to be replaced this year, agreeing with Israeli protesters who have demanded new elections.

Alexandra Bacallao reported from Washington and Doha Madani from New York City.