Pro-Palestinian protesters vandalized a popular bronze statue of a “charging bull” as a group of masses demanding Palestinian “freedom” took to the streets in New York City on Thursday night, video footage shows. became.
Video footage posted on Twitter captured the chaotic incident, showing protesters briefly standing on top of the iconic bull sculpture, also known as the “Wall Street Bull.” Protesters appeared to have gathered late Thursday in response to the death of a Gaza City resident, which activists blame on Israeli officials. (Related: Team Biden is reportedly 'surprised' the president is shedding key support from Arab voters in Michigan)
Gaza Ministry of Health run by Hamas Said An incident between Israeli forces on Thursday left at least 112 people dead and more than 750 injured in the Gaza Strip. The group claimed the soldiers opened fire on residents while waiting for food from aid trucks, a claim denied by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). IDF officials Posted An online statement claimed that civilians “surrounded” an aid truck coming from Egypt and “looted supplies en route.” Dozens of local residents were “dead and injured” as a result of being “pushed, trampled and run over by trucks,” officials said.
In footage shared online, graffiti that appeared to read “Death to Israel” and “Liberate Palestine” could be seen on the bull's neck and face. Protesters then mounted the sculpture, with one man standing on the back of a bull and waving a Palestinian flag above his head. Another man soon joined him, and the crowd cheered him on, chanting “Liberate Palestine.”
#breaking news Protesters tag “Death to Israel” and “Liberate Palestine” on New York City's famous Wall Street charging bull. Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags as they protested. pic.twitter.com/v4ubmYlNgd
— Olya Scooter Caster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) March 1, 2024
The timeline for that night is unclear, but it appears that hundreds of protesters first gathered in New York City's Union Square to kick off the event by chanting “Israel, what do you say? How many children have you killed today?” is. “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.'' Activists could be seen holding up giant signs, while others waved flags and small posters. Activists also scattered flour across the ground, an allusion to recent incidents involving the deaths of Gazan residents and aid trucks believed to be carrying flour and other supplies.
#now Masked demonstrators place flowers on the ground in Union Square to symbolize the flour delivery aid truck in Gaza where a Palestinian was killed. pic.twitter.com/0IVCeVMezM
— Olya Scooter Caster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) February 29, 2024
According to video footage, protesters started from Union Square. flock together He is said to have arrived at a subway station in a nearby city and headed toward Wall Street, screaming along the way.Video footage showed activists Tagging Buildings that read “Free Gaza” and subways that say “Free Palestine.”
New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers were recorded heading to Union Square in full riot gear at the start of the protest. At one point, the night appeared to be over, with authorities reportedly arresting several activists. It was unclear when the clashes began, but video footage showed violent clashes between demonstrators and authorities as activists tried to overwhelm authorities.
#now Hundreds of people flood the Wall Street area to protest Governor Hochul as NYPD orders demonstrators to move on sidewalks, leading to clashes and arrests #new york (To obtain a license please contact Desk@freedomnews.tv) pic.twitter.com/frsQEOvuhR
— Olya Scooter Caster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) March 1, 2024
“Push them back! Let's go. Let's go,” one officer was heard saying as NYPD officers lined up to block the protesters.
“We got it! We got it!” protesters repeatedly yelled at police.
“You want children to die? Where's the justice? Where's the justice? Huh?” another protester shouted before another activist began instructing other activists to continue marching.
NYPD officials have not yet issued an official statement regarding the protests.
