Rep. James Comer and other Republican House members on the corner of 21st and H Street about Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Pamela Smith's refusal to shut down the anti-Israel encampment at George Washington University on May 1, 2024. (Jordan Tovin for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
"I had the opportunity to speak with Chairman Comer this morning, and he expressed his interest in making sure the city and the chief could focus on this ongoing operation. I expect that that hearing will be pulled down," Bowser told reporters. "MPD's response to First Amendment demonstration is apolitical. It is without regard to one side or the other. And it's focused on public safety."
People from an anti-Israel encampment sit on the sidewalk after police cleared George Washington University's University Yard on May 8, 2024. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
The chief said police issued six dispersal warnings and allowed "ample time" for protesters to disperse. While "many complied and left the encampment area," Smith said those who did not were arrested.
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"As the encampment was being cleared, additional protesters arrived outside of our perimeter," Smith said. "These individuals engaged our officers at 20th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue. Our officers did deploy pepper spray, and some of the 33 arrests were made at that location."
Fox News' Tyler Olson contributed to this report.
Danielle Wallace is a reporter for Fox News Digital covering politics, crime, police and more. Story tips can be sent to danielle.wallace@fox.com and on Twitter: @danimwallace.
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