The media quoted the police as telling congressional staff on Wednesday night that they were "working to keep back approximately 150 people who are illegally and violently protesting."
All lawmakers have been evacuated from the area, the report said, adding that the police, in a subsequent alert, have warned staffers that entering and exiting the nearby House office buildings was prohibited due to "significant demonstration activity."
"Someone sent out word for people to come [back] and police said it's not safe... Police were wearing gas masks... this was not peaceful," one House Democrat told the media, adding that it "scared me more than January 6 [Capitol riot]."
He added that he and all his colleagues have been evacuated safely, the report said.
Congressman Brad Sherman said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, following the evacuation that the "pro-terrorist, anti-Israel protestors grew violent" and started "pepper spraying police officers and attempting to break into the building." He thanked police officers "who stopped them and for helping me and my colleagues get out safely," adding that "pro-Hamas demonstrators want Republicans to prevail in the next Congressional election."
On October 7, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a surprise large-scale rocket attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip and breached the border, killing and abducting people in neighboring Israeli communities. Israel launched retaliatory strikes and ordered a complete blockade of the Gaza Strip, cutting off supplies of water, food, and fuel.
On October 27, Israel launched a large-scale ground incursion inside the Gaza Strip with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. The escalation of the conflict has resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people in Israel and over 11,500 in the Gaza Strip.