SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CN) — The protest broke out about three minutes into the California Assembly’s first day back in session.
The 80-member Assembly, back on Wednesday for the first time since it adjourned on Sept. 14, got through its opening prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Then the protesters, sitting in the public gallery on the floor above, stood in unison. They revealed matching black shirts bearing slogans and began chanting and singing in opposition to the military action in Gaza.
Those gathered on the balcony draped banners. One stated, “Jews say not in our name.” Another read, “Jews say California tax $$$ for health care, housing, schools, climate.”
The protesters began to sing, echoing a cantor who led them in chants of “Cease-fire now” and “Not in our name.”
Assemblymember Jim Wood, a Healdsburg Democrat and newly installed speaker pro tempore, called for a recess, leading most Assembly members to leave. About 10 minutes later he adjourned the day’s session until Thursday morning. Moments later, someone shut off the lights, eliciting cheers from the protesters.
“Familiar pattern across the country,” Assemblymember James Gallagher, a Yuba City Republican and Assembly minority leader, posted on X, formerly called Twitter. “Chant, intimidate and shut down. Now stopping CA elected representatives from addressing crisis issues in our state. Their message: ‘Cease Fire Now’ and ignore Hamas and their atrocities. This cannot be allowed to continue.”
Speaker Robert Rivas, a Salinas Democrat, said in a statement that thousands of groups go to the Capitol each year to have their voices heard. However, they don’t interfere with the Legislature’s job.
“Today, we were forced to adjourn by demonstrators,” Rivas said. “I support First Amendment rights, but the only real impact from today’s protest is that the Legislature was prevented from doing the people’s work.”
Hamas, a militant Islamic group, attacked Israel on Oct. 7. The attack left over 1,000 people dead, and the group took hundreds of people hostage. Israel vowed to destroy the organization in response, leading to a massive military action that’s resulted in thousands of deaths.
The Senate, also reconvening for the first time this year on Wednesday, had no protesters in its chambers that day. However, Senator Scott Wiener — a San Francisco Democrat — spoke at length about Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7 and the backlash he said Jews have felt since.
The Legislative Jewish Caucus, which Wiener co-chairs, on Wednesday distributed a letter that reflected his speech on the Senate floor.
Wiener called Oct. 7 the largest massacre of Jews in one day since the Holocaust.
Since then, Wiener said what’s been equally disturbing is some people’s response — glorifying Hamas and condemning Israel. A “poisonous atmosphere” has appeared in some schools, he said, and antisemitic comments have been made at public comment at city council meetings.
Wiener also said he’s looked in horror at what’s happened in Gaza, saying the vast majority of Gaza residents are not committing violence.
“Gaza is suffering and Israel must take steps to avoid civilian deaths,” he added.
After the Senate adjourned, Wiener and fellow Legislative Jewish Caucus co-chair — Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, an Encino Democrat — held an impromptu press conference. Wiener echoed Rivas’ statement.
“Protesting is a good thing,” Wiener said. “Shutting down the democratic process is not a good thing.”
Gabriel said protests should occur outside the Capitol, or people should meet individually with lawmakers to express their views. He added that he wants people to understand what Jews are dealing with, what he called a level of fear and anxiety he’s never seen.
At times, the ongoing protest drowned out the lawmakers’ voices as they stood outside the Senate chambers.
“I think the loudest voices are often not the most representative,” Gabriel said.
Both the Assembly and Senate reconvene on Thursday.
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