Biden Arrives Late to State of the Union Address after Pro-Palestinian Protesters Block Motorcade’s Path

President Biden arrived to the Capitol on Thursday later than expected to deliver his State of the Union address after a crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered on Pennsylvania Avenue to block his motorcade’s path.

Dozens of protesters staged a sit-in at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Constitution Ave NW, shouting “free Palestine” and waving signs that read “Genocide Joe,” “Biden’s Legacy is Genocide,” and “The People Demand Stop Arming Israel,” according to The Hill.

Meanwhile, “Permanent Ceasefire Now” was projected onto the side of the National Gallery of Art.

Biden is expected to take a major focus on foreign affairs in his speech on Thursday.

Reports indicate he plans to announce he has ordered the U.S. military to conduct an emergency mission to establish a temporary port in Gaza to allow for a maritime route for humanitarian assistance from Cyprus.

The move is Biden’s latest acquiescence to the most progressive part of the Democratic Party’s base, which has demanded a ceasefire in Gaza.

Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate ceasefire in a speech on Sunday.

“Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate cease-fire for at least six weeks as is what is currently on the table,” Harris said. “This will get the hostages out and get a significant amount of aid in. This will allow us to build something more enduring to ensure Israel is secure and to respect the right of the Palestinian people to dignity, freedom and self-determination.”

The administration’s wavering support for Israel comes after a progressive effort to encourage voters in several states to vote “uncommitted” in protest of Biden’s support for Israel in its war against Hamas.

While Biden still handily won the party’s nominating contests on Super Tuesday, the administration said it has gotten the message.