Washington, D.C.: Independent journalist Sam Husseini was forcibly removed from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's final press briefing after attempting to question him about the Gaza ceasefire and other contentious issues. The briefing, intended to highlight diplomatic achievements over the past four years, was disrupted by Husseini’s insistence on addressing allegations of genocide in Gaza and U.S. policy in the region.
A video posted by Ryan Grim of DropSite News captured the moment when several uniformed Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) officers approached Husseini, who was seated among the press corps.
“Get your hands off me!” Husseini shouted as officers moved to escort him out. “Answer my damn question.”
Husseini criticized Blinken for allegedly failing to address pressing concerns about the ceasefire in Gaza. “Everybody from Amnesty International to the ICJ [International Court of Justice] is saying that Israel is doing genocide and extermination, and you’re telling me to respect the process?” he exclaimed before being removed.
Every other journalist in the room watched and did nothing. America the free world!
— Mohamad Safa (@mhdksafa) January 16, 2025
Sam Husseini forcibly removed from the briefing room after interrupting Blinken's final press conference. pic.twitter.com/6ff6Qz1WXV
Blinken briefly responded by emphasizing the importance of adhering to protocol during press briefings, stating that questions would be addressed after his prepared remarks.
Once removed, Husseini took to X (formerly Twitter), claiming he was subjected to “excessive force” and handcuffed for attempting to ask critical questions that he alleged the State Department was unwilling to answer. Among his inquiries was whether the U.S. was aware of the controversial “Hannibal Directive,” a doctrine allegedly used by the Israeli military to prevent the capture of soldiers at any cost, including civilian casualties.
According to Husseini, his attempts to question Blinken also extended to issues such as U.S. knowledge of Israeli nuclear capabilities, the applicability of the Geneva Conventions to Gaza, and Blinken’s alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Ryan Grim reported that a State Department staffer had initially attempted to remove Husseini before armed security intervened. Reporter @samhusseini was just physically dragged from Blinken’s briefing. “Why aren’t you at The Hague?” he asked. pic.twitter.com/Nvs10aFjgh
The incident underscored the contentious nature of the briefing, as another journalist, Max Blumenthal of The Grayzone, was also removed after directing pointed remarks at Blinken. Blumenthal accused the secretary of state of undermining Judaism by associating it with what he termed “fascism” and questioned Blinken’s family ties to pro-Israel lobbying efforts.
“Why did you sacrifice the rules-based order on the mantle of your commitment to Zionism?” Blumenthal shouted as he was escorted out. “How does it feel to have your legacy be genocide?”
The chaotic exchanges highlighted the deep divisions over U.S. policy in the Middle East and its support for Israel amid allegations of human rights abuses. While the State Department has defended its position, the confrontations reflect broader public and media frustration with the Biden administration’s handling of the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
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