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Local News


FIGHTS BREAK OUT DURING PRO-PALESTINIAN DEMONSTRATION BLOCKS AWAY FROM
ROCKEFELLER CENTER CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

By Ali Bauman

Updated on: November 30, 2023 / 5:25 AM EST / CBS New York

 * 
 * 
 * 


Multiple people in custody after protesters clash with police near tree lighting

NEW YORK -- Seven people were taken into custody after fights broke out during a
pro-Palestinian demonstration just a few blocks away from Rockefeller Center on
Wednesday.

This all happened as thousands gathered to watch the annual Rockefeller Center
Christmas tree lighting.

Watch Ali Bauman's report


Police, pro-Palestinian demonstrators clash in Midtown

The NYPD was expecting the demonstration and amped up security in response,
knowing it would be a chaotic scene with a rally right next to the tree
lighting.

But despite the provisions, demonstrators were able to break through their
barricades and at some points even surround and physically fight with police.

Seven people were taken into custody, including one minor. The rest will be
charged with misdemeanors. 

 * Read more: New Yorkers & tourists flock to Rockefeller Center for annual
   Christmas tree lighting

NYPD officers sprinted through Sixth Avenue, where police clashed with
demonstrators off 47th Street, blocks away from the annual tree lighting.  

"This is the ebb and flow of protests. We try to keep it calm, we let them move,
we let them exercise their right. Sometimes things get a little hectic, but
we're gonna do our best out here to keep everybody safe," NYPD Chief of
Department Jeffrey Maddrey said. 



More than 1,000 people gathered for the demonstration in support of
Palestinians. Earlier, organizers told CBS New York they anticipated a peaceful
night.

"All we're asking for is an end to the ongoing bombing of Gaza, the end to the
siege and blockade that continues to place a chokehold on the Palestinian
people," said Nardeen Kiswani, with Within Our Lifetime.

But arrests swiftly began, starting with a fight breaking out over someone
holding up a sign of a swastika.

Throughout the night, the NYPD tried to contain the group by holding lines and
putting up barricades, but tensions escalated, reaching a boiling point when
some demonstrators and officers squared off, throwing fists and falling to the
ground.

"Crowd came and attacked, and it was a melee," one witness said.



Eventually, the barricades and cops could not contain the crowd. People broke
through and began marching through the streets while officers continued to make
one arrest after another.

Police said this did not disrupt the nearby tree lighting celebration.


MORE FROM CBS NEWS

Countdown is on for Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting
Rockefeller Center tree lighting kicks off holiday season
Exclusive look at Rockefeller Center tree lighting safety plan
Rockefeller Center's 2023 tree lighting happens today. Here's everything you
need to know
2 shot on subway in Brooklyn, police investigating
   In:
 * Palestine
 * NYPD
 * Rockefeller Center

Ali Bauman

Ali Bauman joined CBS2 News as a general assignment reporter in 2016. Ali is a
proud millennial who embraces social media for storytelling to bring news to a
new generation of viewers.

Twitter Facebook
Read More

First published on November 29, 2023 / 8:28 PM EST

© 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Read more


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