PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — June Rose, the Providence City Council’s chief of staff, claims they were arrested while participating in a demonstration at the Capitol earlier this week.
Rose said on social media that they were in Washington, D.C. Tuesday for a demonstration urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to issue a permanent ceasefire and for the United States to stop arming the country in its war against Hamas.
U.S. Capitol Police detain demonstrators protesting against the military policies of Israel a day before a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu who will address a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday, in the Cannon House Office Building at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, July 23, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
“I was arrested in the Capitol alongside 400 Jews telling Netanyahu before his speech to Congress: we say NO to genocide in our name,” Rose wrote.
Rose shared a photograph, taken by The Associated Press, of Capitol officers handcuffing them.
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It’s unclear if Rose is facing charges at this time.
Meanwhile, Rose is receiving support from several councilors for their actions.
Councilor Miguel Sanchez applauded Rose for their courage.
“I’m so proud that we have staff members who not only do so much for our city, but also use their voice to fight for a better world,” Sanchez said.
Councilor Justin Roias thanked Rose for taking an “uncompromising stand against genocide.”
“History will remember June not just for speaking out, but for having the guts to stand against the tide when it mattered most,” Roias said.
This comes after councilors introduced an ordinance that would prevent the capital city from investing its assets into Israeli bonds. The ordinance, which was sponsored by Sanchez, Roias and Providence City Council President Rachel Miller, was referred to the Committee on Finance back in June.