NYPD Clears Pro-Palestinian Encampment at FIT
Dozens Arrested as Police Disperse Protesters in NYC
NEW YORK CITY – The New York Police Department (NYPD) forcibly dispersed a pro-Palestinian encampment at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City, resulting in numerous arrests on Tuesday night. The action was taken after authorities warned demonstrators to vacate the area or face arrest for trespassing.
Police Intervention and Arrests
In a scene captured by NEWS.ORG 5 NY’s Briella Tomassetti, officers surrounded the encampment at FIT and proceeded to arrest those who refused to leave. Demonstrators were seen being escorted onto an NYPD corrections bus amid cheers from supporters gathered nearby.
According to reports, tensions had been escalating throughout the evening, with police closely monitoring the demonstration as it unfolded. Earlier in the night, officers stood face-to-face with protesters behind metal barricades.
Peaceful March Turns Tense
The day began with a peaceful march through Union Square, where hundreds of demonstrators rallied, brandishing signs, flags, and drums. However, as the evening progressed, confrontations with law enforcement led to a series of arrests.
SkyFOX footage captured the moment NYPD officers made multiple arrests, with at least 50 individuals detained in total across various protests throughout the city.
Protests Near High-Profile Events
The timing of the protests coincided with the star-studded 2024 Met Gala, held just blocks away from Hunter College, where another demonstration took place. Pro-Palestinian protesters attempted to disrupt the gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but were thwarted by NYPD intervention.
Authorities reported 27 arrests for disorderly conduct as protesters marched down Park Avenue and, later, vandalized a war memorial at 59th Street and 5th Avenue.
Coordinated Demonstrations
Flyers distributed on social media called for a citywide rally in solidarity with Gaza, drawing attention to ongoing tensions in the region. The call to action prompted demonstrators to converge at various locations across the city, including Columbia University and Hunter College.
Before the rally at Hunter College, Columbia University announced the cancellation of its university-wide commencement ceremony, originally scheduled for May 15.
Conclusion: Ongoing Activism
As tensions persist in the Middle East, protests in support of Palestine continue to unfold in cities around the world. In New York City, demonstrators are navigating a complex landscape of activism, with clashes between protesters and law enforcement underscoring the deep divisions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the situation evolves, activists remain steadfast in their calls for justice and solidarity.
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