2 arrested near Vice President Kamala Harris' DC rally for assaulting police officers

WASHINGTON (7News) — Two people were arrested Tuesday night near Vice President Kamala Harris’ rally on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. after allegedly assaulting police officers.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said the incident took place shortly before Harris addressed a massive crowd.

MPD said around 7 p.m., a woman attempted to cross a police line at 15th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, ignoring officers' instructions.

When officers tried to remove her, she allegedly began assaulting them. Police said a second individual approached officers from behind and also reportedly assaulted them.

RELATED | Kamala Harris delivers closing argument speech at the Ellipse in DC

In a statement, MPD Chief Pamela Smith thanked law enforcement officers for managing the crowds:

"Tonight, residents and visitors attended multiple events across the District, where individuals peacefully exercised their First Amendment rights in our nation's capital. I want to thank the men and women of the Metropolitan Police Department, along with our local and federal partners, for ensuring a safe and secure environment. Although two individuals chose to disregard lawful orders and were arrested, the vast majority cooperated fully and enjoyed our city peacefully. We're grateful for everyone's cooperation and look forward to welcoming more visitors in the months ahead."

Both individuals were arrested charged with assaulting a police officer. The officers were not injured, MPD added.

Additionally, 7News' Tom Roussey was on the scene when some individuals were seen beingescorted out by security while reportedly trying to disrupt the rally.

The rally on the Ellipse, in the shadow of the White House, marked one of Harris'’ final campaign appearances. Harris' campaign estimated over 75,000 attended the rally,many of whom had waited in line for hours.

7News spoke toTracee Loran who took a bus from Brooklyn, New York at 1 a.m. and arrived at the Ellipse to be first in line.

Aside from the arrests, the D.C. Fire and EMS Department said they evaluated 34 people at the event. Two were hospitalized, one with a serious, non-life-threatening illness and one with a non-life-threatening injury.

Harris urged attendees to move beyond the Trump era at the same location where former President Donald Trump addressed his supporters nearly four years ago on Jan. 6, shortly before the U.S. Capitol riots.

"We know who Donald Trump is," Harris during her speech "He is the person who stood at this very spot nearly four years ago and sent an armed mob to the United States Capitol to overturn the will of the people in a free and fair election, an election that he knew he lost."