Houston Police Department officers detained and cited eight pro-Palestine protestors demonstrating outside of Mayor John Whitmire’s home Friday, officials said.
Fewer than 20 people attended the demonstration outside Whitmire’s home, calling for divestment from Israel and a cease-fire resolution from the city. At least eight people were detained and later released from police vehicles with citations for a noise ordinance violation, said police spokesman Victor Senties.
Members of the group were arrested “without warning” around 30 minutes into the protest, although the demonstration continued until 11 p.m., attendees said.
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Officials said there were no arrests related to the demonstration, which was the fourth time pro-Palestinian protestors have stood outside the home since June.
The group of “concerned citizens” was hoping to persuade the mayor to take action.
Israel’s military offensive has killed more than 38,000 Palestinians since Oct. 7, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 Israelis and taking around 250 hostages.
In a comment, Whitmire said the group had been blocking his driveway.
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“We support the First Amendment, but they are crossing the line, particularly in the aftermath of the incident involving President Trump and the tragic death of a bystander, a retired fireman, at the rally. The protestors are using drums, bullhorns, and waving flags, and they disrupted a peaceful Friday night for my neighbors over an international issue,” according to a statement from Whitmire.
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Whitmire has spoken out on issues relating to Ukraine and other countries and these protestors hope to persuade him to speak out in support of Gaza.