Anti-war activists disrupt Antony Blinken during Senate hearing

Protesters disrupted a Senate hearing attended by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was alongside Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, to discuss a $106 billion national security funding request. The demonstrators, some affiliated with anti-war group CODEPINK, called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for the US to halt its support of Israel's military efforts against Hamas. Standing up one by one, they repeatedly shouted their demands, forcing the lawmakers to suspend the hearing multiple times. Capitol Police arrested 12 individuals for protesting inside the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Mr. Blinken acknowledged the protesters' concerns, emphasizing that all parties involved are committed to civilian protection and ending the suffering. However, he also stressed the importance of the US standing by its allies.