Protester Violence at White House Ignites Double Standard Debate, US

Former President Donald Trump has criticized the lack of media attention and arrests following violent protests at the White House on Saturday. Trump compared the incident to the January 6 Capitol breach, calling for the release of those involved in the earlier event, whom he referred to as hostages. The pro-Palestinian protest on January 13 turned unruly as activists breached a White House gate and clashed with riot police. While some staff members were evacuated, no arrests have been made and the incident received relatively little media coverage. Trump highlighted the contrast with the extensive scrutiny and coverage of the January 6 incident. The former president’s comments come amidst ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine, with thousands taking part in a pro-Gaza rally in Washington to call for a ceasefire. While the majority of the protest was peaceful, violence erupted as protesters rushed against a reinforced gate and threw objects, leading to a partial evacuation of White House staff. Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith condemned the violence and declared a zero-tolerance policy for any lawless behavior during protests. The incident occurred just days before the third anniversary of the January 6 Capitol incident. Prosecutors have already secured over 890 convictions in connection with the Capitol breach and have vowed to hold all perpetrators accountable under the law. Meanwhile, Trump has stated that he believes some detainees from the January 6 incident are being mistreated and has promised to issue pardons for many of them. The ongoing prosecutions are focused primarily on those who entered the Capitol or engaged in violent acts, but the Department of Justice is considering expanding their dragnet to include individuals who never entered the building. Former Attorney General William Barr expressed concern that the DOJ has already cast its net too widely in its pursuit of January 6 suspects. The situation highlights the divisive nature of the Capitol breach and the ongoing legal ramifications for those involved.