New York — Pro-Palestinian activists created disruptions and traffic congestion near airports in New York and Los Angeles on Wednesday, causing delays for holiday travelers. Law enforcement officials reported a total of 62 arrests during the protests.
New York
In New York, demonstrators linked arms and displayed banners advocating for an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict and improved rights for Palestinians. Their actions brought traffic to a standstill on the Van Wyck Expressway leading to John F. Kennedy International Airport for approximately 20 minutes. Passengers, some carrying suitcases, were observed on social media leaving their vehicles and crossing over barriers onto the median of the highway.
Los Angeles
Simultaneously, in Los Angeles, another group of pro-Palestinian activists blocked a main thoroughfare leading to the airport by placing traffic cones, trash bins, scooters, and debris on the lanes, as captured by news helicopter footage. The Los Angeles Police Department revealed that protesters had allegedly assaulted an officer and targeted innocent bystanders in their vehicles, although further details were not provided.
These protests signify the ongoing support for the Palestinian cause in relation to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Protest at Los Angeles Airport Ends with Arrests
A group of protesters fled when police arrived at Los Angeles International Airport, causing traffic disruptions that lasted for about two hours. The Los Angeles Police Department reported that 35 individuals were arrested for rioting, and one person was arrested for battery of a police officer. Fortunately, no officers were injured during the incident.
It should be noted that an estimated 215,000 passengers and 87,000 vehicles were expected to pass through the airport on Wednesday, despite the disturbance caused by the demonstration. This protest is one among many that have arisen since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7. These nightly protests have been taking place in various cities across the United States.
In New York City, organizers supporting the Palestinian cause are responding to the alarming death toll in Gaza by intensifying their actions. Their aim is to disrupt prominent events and icons of the city, such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the annual tree-lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center. This escalating tactic has prompted criticism from New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Mayor Adams expressed his disapproval of the protest organizers’ disruptive methods. He went on to suggest that law enforcement may need to increase their response to these events. In his view, it is unacceptable for people to take control of the streets and bridges of such a complex city. Residents should not have the freedom to do as they please without consequence.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, with protests and counteractions taking place across the country.
