Dupage Policy Journal

Constance Lynne Clark is criticizing U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (D-IL) for a perceived double standard following violent protests at the Democratic National Committee. 

“And how many of these schools are going to be arrested like the J6ers?” Clark said on X.

“Your police will probably do nothing to them! And look at how evil they are behaving!”

“Let’s see the footage of Pelosi and AOC from tonight! Are they acting scared and angry as they staged on Jan 6th?”

“These protesters have evil in mind!”

Clark’s comments came after Casten thanked Capitol Police for evacuating him and other members of Congress after a pro-Palestine rally at the Democratic National Committee turned violent. The scene unfolded as protestors gathered near the DNC headquarters building in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Several Congressmen were in the building at the time for a campaign event. The U.S. Capitol Police reported that approximately 150 individuals were involved in what they described as an "illegal and violent" protest.

Casten, who is prone to rants on social media, posted about the incident on X. According to Casten, protestors were all around the building.

"@dccc office after the building was surrounded by protestors who had blocked all modes of ingress and egress. Grateful to Capitol Police for getting all members and staff out safely. To the protestors: PLEASE don’t do something irresponsible," Casten said on X.

"You have the Constitutional right to peaceably assemble and protest. But blocking all entries to a building with multiple members of Congress in it, protected by Capitol Police officers who have lived through January 6 is putting you and other innocent people at risk."

"We were rescued by armed officers who did not know the protestors’ intent; they knew only that Members of Congress were inside, could not leave and that protestors would not let police through. Forcing police to guess intent is irresponsible and dangerous."

"I am grateful for the USCP’s professionalism and that all were safely evacuated. I’m also keenly aware that it could have been much worse. Americans have a right to assemble and protest. But PLEASE do so at a safe distance and respect local police orders."

Further insight into the incident was provided by another Congress member. U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) posted on social media, noting that the protestors became violent, pepper-spraying police officers, and attempting to break into the building.

The incident highlights a demonstration marked by both its political nature, advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, and the involvement of violence, posing challenges for law enforcement in the Capitol Hill area, according to ABC7 Chicago.

In an additional report from overseas media, The Times of Israel reported six police officers were injured in the incident. Anti-Zionist groups IfNotNow and Jewish Voice for Peace were involved in the protest. Nearby congressional offices were locked down during the event, according to the report.

In early November, Casten’s Glen Ellyn office was occupied by pro-Palestine protestors, prompting the closure of the office building. The protesters sought to meet with Casten, urging him to support a "ceasefire now" resolution calling for an end to violence in Israel and Gaza. Cell phone footage captured the demonstrators occupying office chairs and advocating for their cause. Police were present, but the situation ended, and the group was informed that Casten was on his way to D.C., with an offer for a meeting upon his return, according to FOX 32 Chicago.

The incidents and the comparison to the Jan. 6, 2021 riot in the U.S. Capitol come as House Speaker Mike Johnson has ordered tapes from the J6 event to be released.

"This decision will provide millions of Americans, criminal defendants, public interest organizations, and the media an ability to see for themselves what happened that day, rather than having to rely upon the interpretation of a small group of government officials," Johnson said in a statement.

The Jan. 6 riots were allegedly influenced by members of the U.S. intelligence apparatus.

Scenes from the tapes broadcast by Tucker Carlson inexplicably show police officers chaperoning protestors around the building.

Critics sought to withhold public access to the 44,000 hours worth of footage over the fear that the identities of undercover intelligence agents would be exposed, according to AP News.