Protester derails Biden speech with demands for cease-fire in Gaza
President Biden's speech to the United Auto Workers (UAW) was derailed by a protester on Thursday demanding he call for a cease-fire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
President Biden's speech to the United Auto Workers (UAW) was derailed by a protester on Thursday demanding he call for a cease-fire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
The disruption occurred just seconds after Biden began his speech at the Belvidere, Illinois event as he was speaking about his father running an automobile agency when he was young.
"President Biden, you need to call for a cease-fire in Gaza," the female protester yelled.
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President Joe Biden speaks about the economy and the deal between the United Auto Workers (UAW) Union and the big-three automakers, in Belvidere, Illinois, on November 9, 2023. (OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)
She was immediately met with loud jeers as Biden attempted to quiet the crowd.
"No, let her go," he said as the protester continued to yell inaudibly and the crowd went on jeering.
"It's okay," Biden said, but to no avail.
President Joe Biden gestures as he speaks about the economy and the deal between the United Auto Workers (UAW) Union and the big-three automakers, in Belvidere, Illinois, on November 9, 2023. (OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)
The crowd then began chanting, "We love Joe," as the protester was quieted and presumably removed from the event.
Biden continued his speech without addressing the protester's calls for a cease-fire.
Biden has faced calls from a number of Democrats to press for a cease-fire in the war, but has so far resisted those calls and has only pushed Israel for a "humanitarian pause" in the fighting.
After a call with Biden on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubled down on rejecting a cease-fire in Gaza unless the hostages being held there by Hamas are released.
However, the White House announced Thursday that Israel would pause military operations in Gaza City for four hours each day.
