Local Activists Who Staged Sit-In Demanding Gaza Cease-Fire at Rep. Adam Smith's Office Arrested for Trespassing

by Alex Garland

On Friday, Jan. 26, a group of 16 local activists, including eight members from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and representatives from IfNotNow, orchestrated a sit-in at Rep. Adam Smith's office in Renton, pressing for immediate action on the ongoing siege of Gaza. Ten were arrested.

The protestors presented a unified front with specific demands: an immediate and permanent cease-fire, cessation of U.S. military funding for Israel, and a halt to U.S. intervention in the Middle East. Their concern stemmed from the potential $14 billion aid package for Israel that passed the U.S. House of Representatives last year, but has been blocked in the Senate, and the direct impact such funds could have on Smith's constituents in the United States.

According to Al Jazeera, since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel and the subsequent siege of Gaza by the Israeli military, over 26,000 Palestinians in Gaza and about 1,139 Israelis have been killed. The recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel lent weight to the protestors' calls for action. "With today's ruling in the ICJ, there is no better time than now to call for a cease-fire," said Kahn, stressing the need for Smith to reassess his stance.

Smith, serving Washington's 9th District and wielding significant influence on the House Armed Services Committee, plays a pivotal role in shaping military policy and expenditure. Concerned constituents are urging Smith to be accountable regarding the Israel-Hamas war, expressing dissatisfaction with his failure to advocate for a cease-fire despite calls from over 60 congressional peers.

Sean Case, a cook and committed organizer, participated in the sit-in, propelled by his socialist beliefs and unwavering support for Palestinian rights. Case voiced his discontent with Smith's backing of Israel's actions in Gaza and its policies against Palestinians. He stressed the urgency of the situation, demanding immediate action to de-escalate conflicts in the Middle East. "We want to see a free Palestine within our lifetime. And we want to see Congressman Smith either stop being complicit in this genocide and Israel's apartheid regime, or we want to see him out of office."

Whitney Kahn, a high school paraeducator deeply invested in justice advocacy, spearheaded the protest. Kahn expressed frustration with Smith's ties to defense contractors and Israeli lobbying groups, emphasizing the urgent need for immediate action to end U.S. support for the conflict. They urged Smith to listen to his constituents and take decisive steps to address the humanitarian crisis. "Every minute Adam Smith fails to call for a cease-fire, more innocent lives are taken," Kahn said. "While we're talking, bombs are dropping."

The sit-in reached a critical juncture when, at 4:57 p.m., a spokesperson for Smith notified the protestors that they would be asked to leave at 5 p.m. At 5:04 p.m., Renton police intervened, demanding the group disperse, which led to arrests for trespassing. Renton police expressed gratitude to the activists for remaining peaceful. Among the 10 activists arrested were Case and Kahn. All were cited for trespassing and released.

📸 Featured Image: On Jan. 26, a group of 16 local activists, including eight members from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and representatives from IfNotNow, orchestrated a sit-in at Rep. Adam Smith's office in Renton, pressing for immediate action on the ongoing siege of Gaza. (Photo: Alex Garland)