Protests against the ongoing conflict in Gaza created disruptions during a Democratic rally and its subsequent after-party in New York City on August 14. The city’s federal, state, and municipal leaders had gathered to demonstrate their support for Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
The protesters positioned themselves behind barricades, generating loud noises in close proximity to the event which was heavily guarded by the presence of the police.
Later in the day, the after-party for the Democratic rally, held at a Broadway restaurant, became increasingly chaotic.
Some protesters could be seen banging drums, ringing horns, and blowing whistles. Many of them wore keffiyehs, characterized by the black-and-white patterns associated with Palestinians.
During the course of the disturbance, some protesters managed to infiltrate the restaurant and confronted the customers inside. They were heard shouting phrases such as “You are liars” and “You set Palestine on fire.”
One among the protesters explicitly addressed the customers, stating, “American citizen money goes to Israel and pays for this genocide. We all have a responsibility to say no, don’t walk away, there are children dying.”
Outside the building, confrontations erupted between some protesters and law enforcement officers. Video footage captured several individuals being arrested by the authorities.
There were instances where the crowd seemed to overpower the law enforcement officers, who repeatedly requested the protesters to maintain their distance.
Large clouds of smoke were observed within the crowd of demonstrators, although the source of the smoke remains unclear.
No information is available regarding injuries sustained during the protests.
The Epoch Times has reached out to the New York City Police Department (NYPD) for their comments on the matter.
Next week, Harris is scheduled to deliver a speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The convention will officially endorse Harris and Walz as the party’s nominees for president and vice president.
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