.png)
U.S. Capitol Police say they anticipate there will be thousands of protestors Wednesday.
WASHINGTON — Thousands of protestors are expected at various locations across the District this week, in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit.
Netanyahu is expected to address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday. As a result of the visit, several road closures and parking restrictions are in place. Here's what drivers need to know.
A spokesperson for U.S. Capitol Police told WUSA9 they've been working around the clock with federal, state, and local partners to make sure they are prepared. While they wouldn't get into specific security details, they did share that they're adding more officers, including some from outside agencies.
On Tuesday, the New York City Police Department confirmed they had sent more than 200 officers to assist.
"We were requested by Capitol Police to assist them with some anticipated protests," said NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell.
More than 200 of NYPD’s Finest are in DC and have been sworn in as United States Capitol Police Special Officers to assist in policing events this week at our nation’s capitol. These officers are some of the most highly trained and from some of the most specialized units in the… pic.twitter.com/zfBNi5n33x
— NYPD Deputy Commissioner, Operations Kaz Daughtry (@NYPDDaughtry) July 23, 2024"We deal with protests like this all the time in New York City," said NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry.
"We've handled close to 4,000 protests. So, unfortunately, we get a lot of practice," added Chell.
They say the officers include some from specialized units.
"They felt like not only is this a calling, but it's a responsibility they had to do for their country," said Daughtry.
They'll be working with both local law enforcement and police from other jurisdictions.
"What's expected of us with our other law enforcement partners is to keep people safe. To allow people their first amendment right, but not allow disorder and people out of control," said Chell.
On Tuesday night, WUSA9 found extra security outside the Washington Hebrew Congregation in NW, where the Prime Minister may attend a memorial.
"There are no credible threats. We share all of our intel with our Capitol Police partners," said Daughtry.
Fairfax County Police Department and the Montgomery County Police Department also plan to send officers to help on Wednesday.
U.S. Capitol Police announced a number of road closures, you can see all of them here.
As the NYPD made their way into the District Tuesday, they say they came across local police chasing after a 'fleeing suspect'.
"We were roughly here 5 minutes, and we saw PD chasing a couple of perpetrators and were coming our way, so naturally as cops, we backed up our brothers and sisters and helped make the apprehension," said Chell.
"It appears the two people were in a stolen car. Ironically one of them was complaining she was going to see her parole officer," he added.
"This is what being a police officer is about. Our guys weren't properly equipped with bullet-resistant vests or tactical gear. They went out there, seen the officers engaged in a foot pursuit, and it wasn't even a second thought," said Daughtry.
English (US) ·