WASHINGTON: Security was tight as the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner began, with President Joe Biden delivering a public address amid protests and calls for a boycott of the conflict in Gaza.
For months, Biden’s every move was overshadowed by protesters angry at US support for Israel’s attack on Gaza. He was greeted with shouts of “Genocide Joe” and demanded fire in a tumultuous emergency.
At one point, protesters unfurled a large, multi-layered Palestinian flag from an upper window of the hotel, while others held placards and shouted bullhorns in the street below.
More than two weeks ago, a Palestinian journalist published an open letter calling on his American colleagues to boycott the meal.
According to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 97 journalists, including 92 Palestinians, have been killed since the war began on October 7 as Hamas advanced into southern Israel. At least 16 people were injured.
Code Pink, part of the anti-war coalition, said it plans to “shut down” the diner to protest the Biden administration’s involvement in the targeting and killing of Palestinian journalists by the Israeli military.
He said it would be “non-violent”, but did not elaborate.
Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department told AFP it “wants to participate in a safe and peaceful demonstration” but added that visitors could also attend the event.
Gala dinners and surrounding social events, Gaza protests spread to universities across the country, and police crackdowns on several campuses led to hundreds of arrests.
Jost, a comedian and longtime actor on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” sat next to Biden as the dinner began.
Biden, 81, is sure to include himself, some press tapes and some elbows on Trump, an unlikely opponent in the November presidential election.
The annual dinner is hosted by the influential White House Correspondents Association, which has honored influential journalists and awarded journalism scholarships since 1920.
Last year, 2,600 people attended.
