AUSTIN (KXAN) --- On Monday, President Joe Biden was in Austin to give his first public speech since announcing he would not seek a second term in office.
This was for a pre-scheduled commencement ceremony for the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
However, not everyone welcomed the president's visit with open arms.
The Austin for Palestine Coalition hosted a car caravan protest to express their frustration with Biden over his response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
From the streets of east Austin up to Interstate 35, at least twenty cars covered in pro-Palestinian messages were part of the protest.
"We're covering our car with messages. We're putting the Palestinian flag. We're putting QR codes. We're trying to let people know and we're just trying to be visible in Austin," said Austin for Palestine Coalition Organizer Zainab Haider.
The group met at a park near the LBJ Presidential Library where Biden spoke.
Organizers said they're frustrated with the Biden Administration's response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly with the financial support to Israel.
"Our country gives weapons and gives money," Haider said. "$3 billion every year and $14 billion this year."
The caravan was welcomed with cheers by some people on their route. However, not everyone approved. One person yelled out an obscenity to the protesters.
Ultimately, Haider said even if Biden didn't see it, they wanted to make a statement.
"We're just trying to be as visible as we can in the area surrounding the LBJ Center and to drive around and have people see our message," Haider said.
Earlier this month, Biden said both Israel and Hamas agreed to the framework of a multi-stage proposal that pushes for a ceasefire and to bring hostages home.
According to the president, the first phase would include a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza and the release of some hostages.
The next stage would include the release of all remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The last step moves toward a major reconstruction plan for Gaza and includes the return of the remains of dead hostages to their families.
