Democratic Party leaders released a joint statement condemning a violent pro-Palestinian protest in front of the Democratic National Committee's headquarters.

On Wednesday night, a group of protesters roughly 150-strong barricaded the doors of the DNC headquarters while several lawmakers were inside, demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. Capitol Police intervened, leading to a brawl between the two groups, leading to numerous injuries. The following day, Democratic leaders released a joint statement condemning the protest and praising the work of the Capitol Police.

CLEANUP UNDERWAY AFTER VIOLENT PROTEST AT DNC HEADQUARTERS LEAVES SIX OFFICERS INJURED

"Last night, Members of the House Democratic Caucus, hardworking staffers and dozens of guests from throughout the country were participating in an event inside the Democratic National Committee building when some protesters escalated their activity in a manner that exceeded a peaceful demonstration," a joint statement from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene read. "We are thankful for the service and professionalism of the U.S. Capitol Police officers who worked to ensure that Members, staff and visitors were able to safely exit. We strongly support the First Amendment right to freedom of expression and encourage anyone exercising that right to do so peacefully,"

DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison released his own statement condemning the violence.

"I’m grateful that staff & visitors at the DNC were safely evacuated as law enforcement acted quickly to respond to protests outside our building last night," he said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "As Americans we have a right to demonstrate peacefully, but violence is never acceptable."

One lawmaker said the protest "scared me more than Jan. 6," according to Axios. "Police were wearing gas masks. ... This was not peaceful."

The protest also triggered a lockdown of Capitol offices. Capitol Police said in a statement that six officers were treated for injuries "ranging from minor cuts to being pepper-sprayed and punched."

The protest was sponsored by IfNotNow, the Democratic Socialists of America, and Jewish Voice for Peace Action. The protesters defended themselves, claiming that the violence was entirely on the part of the police.

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“Hundreds of peaceful anti-war activists came to the DNC to call for an end to bombs and violence in order to save Palestinian and Israeli lives," JVP Action Political Director Beth Miller said. "They were met with brutal assaults by the police."

"Police lied about the protest being violent, even as they roughed up protesters, sprayed tear gas on the crowd, and literally trampled vigil candles beneath their feet," DSA's Renee Paradis said.