Democratic US Representative Brad Schneider’s office was targeted by what he called on Friday “a vile act of hate” after pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside his office in the US Capitol building and tore down posters of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, Reuters reports.

Schneider, a staunch supporter of Israel, posted a photo of the posters crumpled on the floor.

“This was a shameful act on any day, but especially on July 4, our country’s Independence Day,” Schneider said on social media.

Schneider also said his home was targeted last weekend, with “approximately 50 masked demonstrators banging drums, blowing horns and screaming antisemitic chants” at 2:30am.

Protesters were criticising Schneider’s votes to defund UNRWA, according to the “Direct Actions for Palestine” Instagram page.

A clip showed them as saying: “If we don’t get no justice, then you don’t get no sleep.”