President Joe Biden’s rally in Manassas, Virginia, intended to mark the anniversary of Roe v. Wade and promote abortion rights, encountered persistent interruptions from pro-Palestinian protesters. The event, which also featured Vice President Kamala Harris, was repeatedly disrupted by chants criticizing Biden’s support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The protesters, scattered throughout the crowd, voiced their dissent at least 14 times during Biden’s speech. Their chants included phrases like “Genocide Joe” and “ceasefire now,” reflecting their opposition to the U.S. policy towards the Israel-Hamas conflict. In response, Biden supporters in the audience tried to overpower the protests with chants of “four more years” and “let’s go Joe.”
Biden, attempting to focus on the Republican Party’s plan to further restrict abortion access, faced continual interruptions. He acknowledged the protesters, remarking, “They feel deeply. This is going to go on for a while. They’ve got this planned.” Despite the disruptions, Biden continued to outline the stakes of the 2024 race and emphasize his administration’s push for reproductive freedom.
The persistent protests at Biden’s rally highlight the deep divisions within the Democratic Party regarding the president’s policy on Israel. Progressives have been vocal in their criticism of Biden’s approach to the Israel-Hamas war, with over 25,000 people reportedly killed in Gaza amid Israel’s response to Hamas’ attacks. The discontent has been simmering for months, with Biden facing increasing public opposition to his handling of the conflict.
