House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) has called for immediate action from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to provide essential resources to the U.S. Park Police (USPP). In a letter addressed to DOI Secretary Deb Haaland, Westerman urged for swift support in response to recent destructive and violent protests occurring on National Park Service (NPS) property in Washington, D.C.

The protests, which were described as Hamas-sympathetic, coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to a joint session of Congress. Demonstrators reportedly vandalized several sites, including the National Mall and Columbus Circle.

According to Westerman, USPP had requested additional resources from DOI and NPS leadership days prior to the anticipated protests but did not receive adequate support. In his letter, Westerman stated:

"While USPP and other law enforcement officers protect our nation’s historical monuments and most treasured spaces around the National Capital Region, protestors have run wild, destroying federal property, burning American flags, and raising Palestinian flags. These actions can be directly correlated to the failure of DOI leadership to provide adequate staffing and support to the USPP."

Westerman further emphasized the urgency of addressing these requests: "I call on you to immediately address the USPP’s requests and provide additional officers and support for the USPP in the Washington, D.C. area."

The full text of Westerman's letter is available for public viewing.