Protest calling for ceasefire in Gaza disrupts service at DC’s Union Station

Hundreds of protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza gathered Friday evening at Union Station in Washington, drawing a massive police presence and disrupting subway service to the station.

WTOP’s Scott Gelman reported that Union Station was completely blocked around 6:30 p.m. and that the protest began in front of Union Station, but then moved to the side of First Street NE.

The crowds finally dissipated around 8 p.m., Gelman reported. Red Line trains bypassed the station, but regular service resumed after the crowds left.

Gelman said some sides of Union Station had red handprints of protesters. The sign that bears the station’s name also features red handprints.

“I saw a woman being led away with what appeared to be plastic handcuffs and we’re not entirely sure what led to that,” Gelman said.

Washington DC police said there were four arrests in total, although one of them was unrelated to the protest.

The crowd waved Palestinian flags and a sign read “End all US aid to Israel.”

Shortly after 4 p.m., Amtrak advised travelers to get to Union Station well in advance to board their train because of the protest.

Friday night’s protest comes the same week as Tuesday’s “March for Israel,” which drew tens of thousands of pro-Israel supporters to the National Mall, and Wednesday’s protest outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters, during which participants also called for a ceasefire. in Gaza.

Six Capitol Police officers were injured during Wednesday night’s protest and 90 protesters were reported injured.

WTOP/Scott Gelman

WTOP/Scott Gelman

WTOP/Scott Gelman

WTOP/Scott Gelman

WTOP’s Will Vitka and Scott Gelman contributed to this report.