Tens of thousands of people, some local and some from across the country, rallied in D.C. to support Israel in its fight against Hamas. News4’s Darcy Spencer reports.
A large pro-Israel rally in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., gathered thousands on Tuesday but had largely cleared out by the evening commute.
Ahead of the March for Israel, organizers said they expected as many as 40,000 to 60,000 people to turn up for the event from 1 to 3 p.m.
"[The] November 14th event will bring together communities from across the country to show strong solidarity with the Israeli people, while demanding the immediate release of the remaining hostages and to condemn the rise of antisemitism," the Jewish Federations of North America said.
Road closures began a day in advance. On Tuesday, tow trucks and police cruisers were at virtually every corner downtown, with traffic control officers trying to keep everyone moving. For the most part, people had a smooth ride.
Alex and his family came in from Florida.
"We got in basically right off the plane to this rally, and it's been tremendous turnout, to see everyone here," he said.
Police said late Tuesday afternoon there had been no reports of any trouble and no reported arrests.
“It's important for the country to see that there are people who support the right of right of Israel to exist and to defend itself," Steven Lewis said on the National Mall on Monday.
Ahead of the event, police had said there were no specific threats but that security and police presence would be enhanced. D.C. police said they were working with local, federal and state partners to ensure a safe event.
“MPD has asked for mutual assistance and support from the National Guard. The National Guard will be supporting some traffic safety points,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said.
Organizers also planned for the possibility of counter demonstrations.
The road closures led to detours on 19 bus routes, according to WMATA. Check bus ETAs here.
High ridership was expected at Metro's Smithsonian station on the National Mall, WMATA said. For some brief periods Tuesday afternoon, WMATA restricted the direction of foot traffic at that station's entrances, but by 5 p.m., both entrances were available again for people either entering or exiting.
Earlier in the day, riders were told to consider several other stations as alternatives: Metro Center, L'Enfant Plaza, Federal Triangle, National Archives, Farragut West, Federal Center SW or Gallery Place (F Street side).
Some parking restrictions and road closures were set to end Tuesday evening, but others will continue until Wednesday morning.
Parking restrictions and road closures:
No street parking, 9 p.m. Monday to Tuesday at 6 p.m.:
- 7th Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
- 3rd Street from Constitution Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
- Maryland Avenue from Independence Avenue to 3rd Street, SW
Road closed, 6 a.m. Monday to Wednesday at 5 a.m.:
- 4th Street from Constitution Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
Road closed, 9:30 p.m. Monday to Tuesday at 6 p.m.:
- 7th Street from Constitution Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
Roads closed, Tuesday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
- 3rd Street from Pennsylvania Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
- Madison Drive from 4th Street to 14th Street, NW
- Jefferson Drive from 4th Street to 14th Street, SW
- Maryland Avenue from Independence Avenue to 3rd Street, SW
- 12th Street Tunnel
- Inbound 14th Street from 14th Street to Independence Avenue, SW
Intermittent closures, Tuesday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
- 14th Street from Constitution Avenue, NW to Independence Avenue, SW
- Independence Avenue from 3rd Street to 14th Street, SW
- Constitution Avenue from Pennsylvania Avenue to 17th Street, NW
- Pennsylvania Avenue from 15th Street to Constitution Avenue, NW
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The march may affect hockey fans traveling to the Capitals game at 7 p.m. Tuesday, arena officials and Monumental Sports warned. They advised people to leave extra travel time and stay aware of road closures.
