1,200 pro-Palestinian protesters block access to Grand Central Terminal; 2 arrested
NYPD officers patrol as pro-Palestinian demonstrators march from Columbus Circle to Grand Central Terminal on Friday night. Credit: Anadolu via Getty Images/Anadolu Agency
Six people were detained by police but only two were arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest at Grand Central Terminal on Friday night, according to the NYPD.
Police said a 28-year old man was charged with obstructing governmental administration and harassment and a 34-year-old man was charged with assault and resisting arrest. Three people also received summonses for disorderly conduct, police said in an email.
A 17-year old, who was among the six people taken into custody, received a juvenile report for climbing a light pole and removing and damaging several flags on the pole, according to the NYPD.
Demonstrators first convened at Columbus Circle and later marched to Grand Central Terminal where roughly 1,200 participants gathered. Access to the terminal was limited as a result and the Long Island Rail Road advised riders to travel to and from Penn Station instead.
Access to Grand Central was restored about 11:45 p.m. Friday.
The NYPD confirmed the protesters were affiliated with the group Within Our Lifetime, which according to social media is a Palestinian community-led organization. The group promoted Friday's rally on several social media platforms, stating, "Flood Manhattan for Gaza."
Friday's rally was the latest in a series of demonstrations that have taken place across New York City since the Israel-Hamas war broke out last month.
With Michael O'Keeffe
