Norton Calls on Rubio to Expel and Bar Reentry of Azerbaijani Officials Involved in Violent Attacks on Peaceful Protestors in D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging him to take immediate action to hold accountable Azerbaijani officials who attacked peaceful protestors gathered outside the Waldorf Astoria in the District of Columbia last week. The media has reported that at least six protesters were injured.

Norton said the violent attack "was also an assault on basic American values and the First Amendment protections for free speech and peaceful assembly," and was particularly an affront to the District of Columbia, as freedom to protest in the nation's capital is paramount.

"The violent attack on the protestors was also an attack on the First Amendment protections for freedom of speech and peaceful assembly," Norton wrote. "I urge you to bar any Azerbaijani official who attacked or ordered the attack of the protestors from reentering the United States if they have already left the country and to expel any that remain in the country."

Norton requested a response by March 9, 2026. The full letter follows.

February 23, 2026

The Honorable Marco Rubio

Secretary

U.S. Department of State

2201 C Street NW

Washington, DC 20520

Dear Secretary Rubio:

I was deeply disturbed by the attack last week on what appeared to be peaceful protestors outside the Waldorf Astoria in the District of Columbia by bodyguards for the Azerbaijani president. The attack on the protestors was also an attack on the First Amendment protections for freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.

I urge you to bar any Azerbaijani official who attacked or ordered the attack of the protestors from reentering the United States if they have already left the country and to expel any that remain in the country. I also urge you to follow traditional State Department practice and request a waiver of immunity from Azerbaijan for those connected to the attack if a prosecutor would otherwise prosecute.

I request a written response to this letter by March 9, 2026.

Sincerely,

Eleanor Holmes Norton

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