Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of New York City again on Saturday, storming Times Square after they were turned away when trying to enter the American Museum of Natural History for the second weekend in a row.
The protest, which began at the Upper West Side museum at 2 p.m., included the expectation that protesters would enter the institution two hours later for an “anti-colonial tour.”
Around 200 anti-Israel protesters gathered in front of the museum at 4 p.m., carrying signs and chanting “Free Palestine,” along with anti-Semitic slogans such as “there is only one solution, the Intifada revolution.”
Within Our Lifetime, the group that organized Saturday’s protest, asked protesters to show up at the museum in “small groups” adorned with Palestinian flags and banners, according to an Instagram post.
But the museum was primed for attack after the group attempted to enter the museum last weekend, only to see it closed early to keep protesters away and protect property.
Protesters who have joined Within Our Lifetime protests in recent weeks have vandalized buildings such as the New York Public Library, including graffiti and breaking glass doors.
Last week, organizers accused the museum of trying to “silence” us and promised to return.
The protest was scheduled to begin at 2 p.m., with the expectation that protesters would enter the museum at 4 p.m. for an “anti-colonial tour.” They were denied entry for the second weekend in a row. James Keivom The group attempted to enter the museum last weekend, but the institution closed its doors early to keep protesters away and protect its property. James Keivom
However, the museum, although open, was blocked by police and protesters were not allowed entry.
They also tried to enter through a second entrance, but were blocked. People were seen inside the museum buying tickets, but it is unclear if they were part of the demonstration.
After realizing they would not be able to enter the museum, they began shouting, “We have been left out again” and “shame,” before launching a smoke bomb that sprayed the red, green and black colors of the Palestinian flag.
The group targeted the museum because they claim its corporate sponsors are “facilitating the ongoing genocide in Gaza.”
Once they left the museum, the group headed downtown, with some stopping at a Starbucks on 63rd Street, entering and harassing customers.
Store management expelled both protesters and customers.
They were seen chanting, “Palestine will be free,” while seeing signs reading “From Gaza to Jenin, revolution to victory” and “abolish the settler state.” James Keivom After realizing they would not be able to enter the museum, they began shouting, “We have been locked out again” and “shame,” before launching a smoke bomb that scattered Palestinian colors. James Keivom
They were also seen entering stores on Columbus Circle, another location they attacked last week.
A protester became violent after some men began yelling at protesters as they marched down Columbus Avenue.
It is unclear if the person was detained, but the victim was seen walking away with blood on his face.
The protest eventually moved to Times Square, just a few blocks from where they were seen just days earlier as they attempted to outshine the lighting of the Rockefeller tree before heading to the News Corp building, which houses Fox and the New York Post.
Meanwhile, they chanted, “Palestine will be free,” while carrying signs with slogans calling for the elimination of Israel, including “From Gaza to Jenin, revolution to victory” and “abolish the settler state.”
When most of the crowd dispersed around 6 p.m., a group of protesters attempted to enter the McDonald’s in Times Square, where a woman, who appeared to be guarding the door, met them with pepper spray, hitting several, including a girl.
Protesters demanded she be arrested, but it is unclear if she was detained.
Categories: Trending
Source: vtt.edu.vn