Pro-Palestinian protesters interrupt Bob Casey event in Pennsylvania ahead of state Democratic primary

LANCASTER, Pennsylvania — A group of pro-Palestinian protesters interrupted an event with Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) ahead of the state’s April 23 Democratic primary.

The protesters were gathered outside a get-out-the-vote event with Casey and local Democratic leaders in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, with some making their way inside the event.

The assembled protesters accused the United States of supporting a “genocide” in Gaza by helping Israel in its war against Hamas, while also demanding an immediate ceasefire in the war — which began in October.

Casey acknowledged protesters’ First Amendment right to protest but also said it was important to support Israel, when asked about the protesters outside the event during a press gaggle.

“We’re really fortunate to live in a country where the First Amendment is protected, where those protesters can say pretty much whatever they want about me,” Casey said. “I think it’s critically important to put some facts on the table on the seventh of October of 2023. Hamas, which is a terrorist organization, invaded a sovereign country — Israel. And when they invaded the country, and they killed 1,200 innocent, innocent Israelis. Hamas’s role is to wipe out the Jewish people.”

As he was discussing balancing support for Israel with humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, protesters inside the event began drowning him out with accusations about Israel’s efforts in Gaza. The assembled protesters then chanted “ceasefire now,” until they were escorted out of the building.

Sen. Bob Casey holding campaign event in Lancaster, PA this afternoon — which is being interrupted by pro-Palestinian protestors pic.twitter.com/pGK8RgmhaJ

— Cami Mondeaux (@cami_mondeaux) April 21, 2024

Protesters continued to chant and hold up signs about the war in Gaza outside the event after they were escorted out.

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The protests come a day after the House of Representatives voted in favor of a group of foreign aid bills, one of which provides aid to Israel in its fight against Hamas and gives humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.

The Senate is widely expected to pass the measures and send them to President Joe Biden’s desk.