NEW YORK — New York City police said Saturday that they had 34 people in custody following a pro-Palestinian protest at the Brooklyn Museum, which reported damage to some artwork and harassment to security staff by demonstrators.
Hundreds of protesters marched to the museum on Friday afternoon, set up tents in the lobby and unfurled a “Free Palestine” banner from the building’s roof before police moved in to make arrests.
New York City police officers tackled and punched some protesters during scuffles that broke out in the crowd outside the museum while some demonstrators hurled plastic bottles at officers and shouted insults. Other protesters held banners, waved Palestinian flags and chanted boisterously on the steps of the grand, Beaux Arts museum, which is the city’s second largest.
City police said the 34 people in custody were being processed and charges were being determined.
Museum spokesperson Taylor Maatman said in a statement that the museum closed an hour early because of concerns about people’s safety and the art collections.
”Unfortunately, there was damage to existing and newly installed artwork on our plaza, and our public safety staff were physically and verbally harassed,” Maatman said.
The rally started Friday afternoon across the street from the Barclays Center, home of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. Marchers banging drums and chanting then made their way to the museum about a mile away.
Organizers, including the group Within Our Lifetime, called on supporters to “flood” and “de-occupy” the museum, saying they wanted to take over the building until officials “ disclose and divest ” from any investments linked to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Videos posted on social media showed guards at the museum trying to secure its doors against the surging crowd, and demonstrators finding other ways inside.
Within Our Lifetime posted on social media that its chair, Nerdeen Kiswani, was “targeted and violently arrested” by police.
New York City has seen hundreds of street demonstrations since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began in October.
The Brooklyn Museum sits at the edge of Crown Heights, which is home to one of the city’s largest communities of Orthodox Jews.
On Saturday, 34 individuals were detained by police following a pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the Brooklyn Museum in New York City. The demonstration, which was organized by various activist groups in support of the Palestinian people, drew a large crowd of supporters who gathered to protest against the ongoing violence and human rights abuses in the region.
According to reports, the demonstration began peacefully with participants holding signs and chanting slogans in support of Palestine. However, tensions escalated when a group of counter-protesters arrived at the scene, leading to heated confrontations between the two groups. Police were called to the scene to maintain order and ensure the safety of all individuals involved.
As the situation escalated, police officers began detaining individuals who were deemed to be engaging in disorderly conduct or inciting violence. In total, 34 individuals were taken into custody and charged with various offenses, including resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, and disorderly conduct.
The incident has sparked debate and controversy among activists and community members, with some criticizing the police response as heavy-handed and excessive. Others have defended the actions of law enforcement, arguing that they were necessary to prevent further escalation and ensure public safety.
In a statement following the incident, the NYPD emphasized that they respect the right of individuals to peacefully protest and exercise their First Amendment rights. However, they also stressed that they will not tolerate violence or disruptive behavior that puts the safety of others at risk.
The detention of the 34 individuals has raised concerns about the treatment of protesters and the broader issue of freedom of speech and assembly. Many are calling for a thorough investigation into the incident and for accountability for any potential misconduct on the part of law enforcement.
As tensions continue to simmer in the Middle East, demonstrations and protests in support of Palestine are likely to continue in cities across the United States. It is important for all parties involved to engage in peaceful and respectful dialogue, while also upholding the principles of free speech and assembly. Only through open communication and mutual understanding can progress be made towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
