Pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the California Democratic Party convention in Sacramento, leading to the cancellation of events on Saturday.
Driving the news: Demonstrators were able to enter the convention center, waving Palestinian flags and calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.
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- The crowd chanted phrases like “Shut it down!” and “From the river to the sea.”
- Streets around the state Capitol were shut down, and law enforcement monitored the protest from across the street.
- Protesters blocked access to rooms where caucuses were about to begin, and some meetings were canceled.
- The disruption occurred despite additional security measures implemented by the party.
- Inside the Sheraton hotel lobby bar, party insiders continued to socialize with little alarm.
- Earlier in the day, activists disrupted a forum with four Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate.
What they’re saying: California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks admonished the crows for their outbursts during the event and said in a statement that every convention participant has a right to be heard.
- “Unfortunately, a small number of non-Delegate protesters circumvented venue security and disrupted the program,” Hicks said. “They were heard and following a closing statement by the final candidate, the program was concluded and all attendees exited the venue.”
