Demonstrators defaced the sidewalks outside the residence of Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) with animal blood, targeting the Jewish lawmaker known for his pro-Israel stance. Additionally, his office in Washington, D.C. was subjected to vandalism.
Posters displaying images of the numerous individuals currently held captive by Hamas-affiliated militants in Gaza were ripped down outside U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider’s office at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, as reported by the congressman’s office. Congressman Schneider, a member of the Democratic Party representing Illinois, condemned the vandalism as “a despicable display of hatred.”
“This was a shameful act on any day, but especially on July 4, our country’s Independence Day,” Schneider said in a statement.
The posters displayed images of over 100 individuals, including eight Americans, who have been held captive by Hamas since the group’s unexpected attack on Israel on October 7th. The U.S. Capitol Police verified that they were looking into the act of vandalism, yet refrained from disclosing any additional details.
The act of vandalism outside Schneider’s office on Capitol Hill occurred shortly after pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged an overnight rally outside Schneider’s residence in Highland Park, commencing at approximately 2:45 a.m. on Saturday. The loud protest led to numerous complaints from neighbors, questioning the lack of immediate action at such an early hour.
According to city officials, law enforcement arrived at the scene within minutes of receiving multiple complaints, finding approximately 40 protesters on the sidewalk, displaying banners and chanting “pro-Palestinian and antisemitic slogans” through the use of loudspeakers and drums.
Although authorities reported the presence of antisemitic chants, CBS News Chicago was unable to verify this in the available video footage of the protest. Videos shared on social media captured protestors chanting “Free Free Palestine” and “Resistance is justified when there is a genocide.” Schneider’s office mentioned that a red liquid resembling animal blood was spilled on the sidewalk.
Police reported that they successfully used de-escalation tactics to disperse the crowd, and all protesters had left the area by 3:15 a.m. Following the protesters’ departure, officers remained on the scene for an additional two hours to conduct an investigation and ensure the safety of residents. No arrests or citations were issued during the protest outside Schneider’s home. An Instagram post featuring the demonstration included a caption stating, “Chicago organizers wake up Brad Schneider at 2:30 a.m. to demand he re-funds UNRWA and ends the U.S.-backed genocide.”
The post was shared on the Instagram page “Direct Actions for Palestine,” which tagged the Pro-Palestinian groups American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) Chicago and Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) Chicago. The protesters expressed their concerns about Schneider’s involvement in Congress’ defunding of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the approval of military aid to Israel.
“We must hold him accountable for the deaths of over 45,000 Palestinians in Gaza,” Direct Actions for Palestine wrote on Instagram. “If Gaza doesn’t get justice, then you don’t get no sleep. This is just the beginning.”
