NBC News anchor Andrea Mitchell and Democratic Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.) experienced a tense moment at the newly established “Black House Autonomous Zone” in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday that left one of them asking, “Where’s the police when you need them?”
In a video posted by Daily Caller Senior Congressional Correspondent Henry Rodgers on Tuesday, Mitchell, NBC News Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent and host of “Andrew Mitchell Reports,” and Norton appear to be in the middle of an interview at the “autonomous zone” that radical protesters have attempted to establish this week in front of St. John’s Church in D.C., in the mode of Seattle’s embattled “Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone.”
Suddenly, a scantily clad protester carrying a pink megaphone runs at the two women, grabbing the congresswoman before a security guard in a black mask and hat is able to pull the protester away.
The security guard grapples briefly with the protester as another security guard joins him to help keep the protester away from Mitchell and Norton.
As the protester is being pulled away, the Democratic congresswoman asks, “Where’s the police when you need them?”
After things calm down somewhat, the protester, in only pink panties, a small top and pink hose, stands at a distance before walking away at the direction of security.
WATCH:
Andrea Mitchell (@mitchellreports) and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton almost attacked: pic.twitter.com/Y1ph336GHI
— Henry Rodgers (@henryrodgersdc) June 23, 2020
The wild encounter prompted a flood of responses online, including many pointing out the irony of the question about the lack of police in the cite of the “autonomous zone.”
President Trump addressed the attempt by protesters to imitate Seattle’s “CHAZ” in D.C. on Tuesday, tweeting, “There will never be an ‘Autonomous Zone’ in Washington, D.C., as long as I’m your President. If they try they will be met with serious force!”
Keeping in line with its new policy on censoring the President of the United States, Twitter flagged Trump’s tweet as having “violated the Twitter Rules about abusive behavior.”
“This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about abusive behavior,” the notice reads. “However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible.” While the tweet is visible if clicked on directly, the platform has disabled users’ ability to interact with the post.
As for BHAZ’s inspiration, Seattle’s CHAZ is finally being broken up after weeks of being allowed to “occupy” the city following a series of shootings. After not only tolerating but actually promoting the “autonomous zone” in her city, Democratic Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan finally called for its end on Monday.
“After days of peaceful demonstrations, two nights of shootings have clearly escalated the situation on Capitol Hill,” the mayor’s office said in a statement Monday. “We have been meeting with residents and small business owners to address their safety and disorder concerns, including the ability of first responders to access emergencies in the area.”
This article has been expanded to include more information about the two cities’ “autonomous zones.”
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