26 arrested in downtown Raleigh after die-in to demand ceasefire in Gaza

Raleigh police cleared a Thursday evening protest on Fayetteville Street after dozens laid in the street, calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war.

Close to 100 members of the Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP Triangle) staged a "die-in" protest in downtown Raleigh, blocking Fayetteville Street. According to police, 26 protesters were arrested for lying in the street, causing road closures and detours, impacting drivers and pedestrians. Some people taken into custody with their hands zip-tied.

In front of the Wake County Courthouse, the group chanted and carried signs demanding that U.S Rep. Deborah Ross call for a cease-fire in Gaza. Protesters urged Ross to "pick a side" in where she stands in the Israel-Hamas war.

"This is the right thing to do," one demonstrator said.

"We’re here to ask Deborah Ross to pick a side between ceasefire or genocide," Noah Rubin-Blose, another demonstrator, said.

"It’s definitely frustrating to see our representatives not stand up and sign for a ceasefire," added protester Kevin Georgas.

On Friday, Ross' office released the following statement:

“I respect the right of every American to peacefully protest and I appreciate my constituents who have made their voices heard on this issue. I am also grateful for the Raleigh Police Department for all that they do to keep our community safe. The President and top Biden administration officials are working tirelessly to negotiate a 6-week suspension of fighting in Gaza and secure the release of hostages as a first step towards the long-term cessation of violence. In Congress, I believe it is critical that the House take up and pass the Senate’s bipartisan national security supplemental, which includes support for Israel and humanitarian aid for innocent civilians in Gaza. I continue to strongly support a two-state solution without the detrimental influence of Hamas as the only viable means of achieving a peaceful and prosperous future for the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.”

Hostage families are also growing frustrated with the state of the war.

Appearing on NBC News, Aviva Siegel, a former hostage and the wife of Keith Siegel, who remains in captivity, said Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prioritizing war over humans.

"I think Netanyahu has forgotten about Keith," said Aviva Siegel. "He needs to stop the war and show us he’s doing something to bring Keith home as soon as possible."

WRAL News spoke to numerous protesters Thursday night.

"[It's] our first amendment -- the right to protest, the right to critique your government, the right to speech," an anonymous demonstrator said.

Those who were arrested face charges of "failure to disperse on command," a misdemeanor.

One person was charged with a felony – malicious conduct by prisoner – based on things that happened after they were arrested.

Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman told WRAL News that because matters of civil disobedience are common in the capital county, she expects many of those arrested will take the option to defer the charges.

"We have – just out of respect for understanding people's right to protest – traditionally provided an opportunity to do a deferral, which requires community service in exchange for a case being dismissed. We'll look at these on a case-by-case basis," she said.

It does not appear that any of the people arrested in Raleigh on Feb. 22 are the same people arrested for a similar protest in Durham that blocked lanes of Durham Freeway in November.