Secretary of state was about to testify.
As Secretary of State Antony Blinken was about to begin his testimony at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing Tuesday, a number of protesters disrupted the proceedings calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Police escorted each protestor out as they caused a disruption. However, as Secretary Blinken endeavored to begin his testimony, more protesters would interrupt.
The Committee Chair, Senator Patty Murray of Washington, called the room to order. “I do recognize that people feel very passionately, but I ask that we have order in their hearing room and respect our speakers,” she said. “We will move forward with the hearing and allow the people here and the American people to hear from their witnesses.”
More protesters stood and interrupted testimony before a collective group began to chant.
Secretary Blinken expressed empathy later for the protesters saying he could “hear very much the passions expressed.”
“All of us are committed to the protection of civilian life. All of us know the suffering that is taking place as we speak. All of us are determined to see it end,” he said. “But all of us know the imperative of standing up with our allies and partners when their security, when their democracies are threatened. That’s what’s happening now. We stand resolutely with them even as we stand resolutely for the protection of innocent civilians.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For discernment for Secretary Blinken as he heads the State Department.
- For Senator Murray as she serves as chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and as president pro tempore of the Senate.
- That the president and U.S. officials would continue to support Israel.
- For the peace of Jerusalem and for the people and leaders of Israel as they counter Hamas terrorism.
Sources: Washington Examiner, The Hill
