House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chair James Comer canceled a scheduled hearing with Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser due to growing antisemitic protests at George Washington University, which prompted police to dismantle the anti-Israel encampment on campus and surrounding public spaces. Comer expressed gratitude to Bowser for finally clearing out the trespassers after a conversation and meeting with university leadership. The potential Oversight hearing led to swift action by Bowser and MPD Chief Smith, with 33 people being arrested at GWU since Tuesday night on charges including unlawful entry and assault on a police officer.
Bowser and Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith held a press conference announcing the arrests and stating that the MPD’s response to First Amendment demonstrations is focused on public safety without regard to individual political beliefs. Recent escalations in the protests included incidents of pushing a police officer and the presence of items that could potentially be used as weapons. Police issued multiple dispersal warnings and made arrests for those who did not comply and leave the encampment area. Additional protesters arriving outside of the perimeter engaged with officers, leading to further arrests.
The cancellation of the scheduled hearing was due to the success of police in dismantling the encampment and addressing the situation at GWU. Comer stated that the situation forced the Oversight Committee to act as it was evident that the DC police force was not going to do their job. The focus now is on holding DC officials accountable to ensure the safety of the nation’s capital for all its residents. The protest situation had been ongoing since April 25, and recent developments led to the decision to hold a public hearing to address Mayor Bowser’s role in upholding the law.
Mayor Bowser expressed her commitment to public safety and stated that MPD’s response to demonstrations is apolitical, focusing on maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all involved. Prior to the recent arrests, MPD had been monitoring the protests for two weeks in support of First Amendment rights. The decision to change their posture and begin making arrests was made following incidents of escalating violence, including assaults on police officers and indicators of potential use of weapons by protesters.
The Chief of Police detailed the events leading up to the decision to change the police posture, including reports of assaults, security concerns, and the presence of counter-demonstrators. The decision to disperse the encampment was made in response to the escalating volatility of the protests and the need to ensure public safety. The subsequent arrests were carried out after multiple warnings were issued, with pepper spray being deployed to disperse individuals who engaged with officers. The situation highlighted the need for law enforcement to intervene and address potential threats to public safety.
