Protesters Interrupt Adam Schiff’s Victory Speech, Chanting ‘Cease-Fire Now’

Representative Adam Schiff got everything he wanted on Super Tuesday: not only a first-place finish in the primary for a California Senate seat, but also his preferred general-election opponent in second place.

But the celebration was not so smooth. When Mr. Schiff, a Democrat, took the stage in Los Angeles to claim his victory, protesters calling for a cease-fire in Gaza began chanting almost immediately. He delivered only a short speech.

“My wife, Eve, is here tonight,” he was saying, part of his introductory remarks, when the chants of “cease-fire now” first erupted. He stopped talking, resuming only after a long pause, but the chants continued.

IfNotNow, a Jewish organization that opposes Israel’s actions in its war against Hamas, said on social media that its Los Angeles chapter was behind the protest at Mr. Schiff’s event, along with the local chapter of a like-minded group, Jewish Voice for Peace.

“As Jews, we cannot be silent as the people of Gaza are slaughtered,” the post from IfNotNow read.

Cease-fire protests have been common during many politicians’ speeches over the five months in which Israel has been bombarding Gaza, which is now on the brink of famine.

Mr. Schiff staunchly supported Israel throughout his campaign, and has said that any cease-fire must be dependent on releasing the remaining hostages who were taken during the Hamas-led attack in Israel on Oct. 7. That distinguished him from his two main Democratic opponents in the primary, Representatives Katie Porter and Barbara Lee.

He was noticeably shaken by the protest, though he repeatedly acknowledged the protesters’ right to make a statement. “We’re so lucky, so lucky to live in a democracy where we all have the right to protest,” he said.

Even after he left the stage, they continued chanting, “Let Gaza live.” Some event attendees yelled back, shouting “Stop” and “Shut up.” Security officers escorted protesters out, but more small groups kept popping up throughout the crowd with chants even as Mr. Schiff began speaking again.

He ended up simply thanking a few more people before waving to the crowd, chatting and shaking hands with the supporters standing behind him, and walking away. Less than nine minutes elapsed between him taking the stage and leaving, and for significant parts of that period, he wasn’t talking.

Afterward, Mr. Schiff spoke privately to a small group of supporters on a balcony at the event venue.

“Of course he acknowledges what happened,” State Senator Ben Allen said after speaking with him, adding that Mr. Schiff was probably “used to it.” He added that “at the end of the day, it’s a big victory.”