close
close

Protesters were arrested after blocking traffic on the Manhattan Bridge

Pro-Palestinian protesters block Manhattan Bridge; NYPD confirms arrests


Pro-Palestinian protesters block Manhattan Bridge; NYPD confirms arrests

02:54

NEW YORK – Several pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested Saturday evening after blocking traffic on the Manhattan Bridge.

Many demonstrators who took part in the demonstration then gathered in front of the NYPD headquarters at One Police Plaza.

Manhattan Bridge blocked by protesters

According to the NYPD, more than 100 protesters gathered on the bridge and blocked traffic.

The video shows protesters fighting with officers on the Manhattan side.

Citizen app video of the driver stuck in her car shows Manhattan South Deputy Patrolman James McCarthy washing out his eyes after the NYPD says someone pepper-sprayed him.

Those arrested were placed on an NYPD bus, but other protesters attempted to block the vehicle as it left the bridge. Officers armed with batons then pushed them back.

In a post on social media, NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry said: “This is more than an inconvenience, it poses a risk to public safety. The NYPD will always protect freedom of speech and protest, but we will not Tolerate lawlessness!”

Protesters gather in front of the NYPD headquarters

After the demonstration on the bridge, demonstrators gathered outside police headquarters in Lower Manhattan, drumming, chanting and waving flags as they waited for those arrested to be released.

The NYPD is not yet confirming the number of people arrested or their exact charges.

At previous protests, those arrested have been charged with crimes such as resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, which typically means they are charged, given a court date and released.