Hundreds of maggots, mealworms, and crickets were released at the Watergate Hotel on Wednesday, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was staying during his visit to Washington, D.C.
The incident, which was captured in a video posted to Instagram by the Palestinian Youth Movement and its DMV chapter, raises questions about security lapses at the high-profile venue.
The video shows swarms of insects crawling on the hotel floor and across a table set with drinking glasses, with Israeli and American flags visible in the background. The protesters claimed they also triggered the hotel’s fire alarm to disrupt Netanyahu's stay. Despite tight security, including checkpoints set up by the U.S. Secret Service and D.C. police, the protesters managed to breach the premises.
An anonymous official confirmed the authenticity of the video, which has sparked a wave of reactions. The Watergate Hotel, known for its historic connection to the 1972 political scandal, addressed the incident in a statement, emphasizing the safety and well-being of its guests and staff. “We took the necessary steps to ensure the property has been sanitized and is now operating as normal,” said a hotel spokesperson.
The D.C. Fire and EMS department confirmed that their fire inspectors were present at the hotel at the request of the Secret Service. Upon the alarm sounding, they determined there was no fire emergency.
Netanyahu's office did not comment on the incident. However, Zaid Khatib, an organizer with the DMV chapter of the Palestinian Youth Movement, said the video was sent to them by an anonymous tipster. Khatib noted that while he was not involved in the protest, he supported the ongoing demonstrations. "Protesters have held noise demonstrations outside the hotel every morning and night to ensure Netanyahu will enjoy no rest while he is here," he stated.
In a related development, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered in front of the Watergate Hotel, projecting “WANTED: Arrest Netanyahu” onto its walls. The demonstration, which included waving Palestinian flags and using laser projections, came after Netanyahu's address to the U.S. Congress, which ignited widespread protests in the city.
