Two arrested near Kamala Harris rally for police assault
Arrests made as tensions rise during Harris's rally in Washington, D.C.
Authorities in Washington, D.C. arrested two individuals accused of assaulting a police officer near Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign rally. On Tuesday night, around 7:00 p.m., the arrests occurred near 17th St. and Constitution Ave., Northwest, close to the White House.
A man and a woman were taken into custody just outside the Ellipse, where Harris was conducting her rally. The campaign event continued while Harris took the stage at approximately 7:40 p.m.
According to a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), an individual attempted to breach a police line near 15th Street and Constitution Avenue, Northwest. These streets form the east and west boundaries of the Ellipse. The person did not comply with police commands, and as officers intervened, the woman reportedly assaulted one of them.
Finally making it out to cell service. There’s a sizable group of protesters here making it impossible to hear any rally speakers. 2 arrests from isolated conflicts between protesters pic.twitter.com/3LiJfPsKVC
— Kelsey Reichmann (@KelseyReichmann) October 29, 2024
Another person then approached from behind and attacked the officers. Both were arrested without further trouble and charged with assaulting a police officer. The officers involved were unharmed.
It remains uncertain if those arrested were affiliated with the rally, as either supporters, protesters, or neither. At least one protester was detained during pro-Palestine demonstrations at the event.
Demonstrators were seen with keffiyehs and signs stating “Stop Arming Israel” and “Stop U.S. Funding of Israeli Apartheid.” The MPD has not yet responded to inquiries about any protesters being arrested.
The rally was ended early & what followed was per script. Multiple arrests and violent assaults by police, including of friends & one person’s nose was broken. This happened as people sought to leave & go home. pic.twitter.com/m6rOU0PkY0
— Mark Curran (@MarkJCurran) October 27, 2024
On the same day, the Lincoln Project posted a comment on X about the rally, criticising former President Trump for turning the Ellipse into “a crime scene.” They noted that Harris was transforming it into a symbol of progress.
The Harris campaign has not yet provided a comment on the situation. Authorities in D.C. are continuing their investigation, with no further details available at this time.
What Other Media Are Saying
- ABC News highlights Vice President Kamala Harris’s closing argument, focusing on her portrayal of Trump as unstable and obsessed with revenge, amidst high early voter turnout and election tensions.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened near Kamala Harris’s rally in D.C.?
Two individuals were arrested for assaulting a police officer near a Harris campaign rally.
Were the individuals arrested associated with the rally?
It’s unclear if those arrested were affiliated with the rally as supporters, protesters, or neither.
Did the assault affect Kamala Harris’s rally?
No, the rally continued, and Harris took the stage at approximately 7:40 p.m.
Were there any injuries during the incident?
No, the officers involved in the incident were unharmed.
What were the demonstrators protesting at the rally?
Demonstrators were protesting with signs against U.S. support for Israel.
