Lawmakers were evacuated as a violent protest took place Wednesday night outside Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington.

A group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators clashed with police, prompting a brawl with police and numerous arrests.

U.S. Capitol police said its officers were “working to keep back approximately 150 people who are illegally and violently protesting in the area of Canal Street and Ivy Street” in southeast Washington.

“Officers are making arrests. All Members [lawmakers] have been evacuated from the area. Please stay away from the area,” Capitol Police posted on its official account on X.

Video of the chaotic scene posted on social media showed dozens of police officers forming a protective ring around a building and taking away some demonstrators in custody.

Some of the demonstrators wore shirts bearing the message “Cease Fire Now,” a reference to Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.

Others were shouting obscenities at cops defending the DNC building.

• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.