Pro-Palestine Protests In BK, Manhattan End In Conflict, Arrests

BAY RIDGE, NY — Thousands flooded the streets of Bay Ridge Saturday to show Palestinian support and ultimately clashed with NYPD in what organizers call a brutal affront — just a day after over 100 protesters were arrested in Manhattan.

On Saturday, some 19 protesters were "brutally attacked" and arrested by the NYPD according to police and organizers with Within Our Lifetime. Videos posted to social media show chaotic scenes of officers seemingly punching into the crowd in Bay Ridge.

Police say 16 people were issued criminal summonses for disorderly conduct, and another three desk appearance tickets. An additional three juveniles were charged, according to the New York Daily News.

"The media will distort us, vilify us and downplay our numbers, elected officials will condemn us," said organizers with Within Our Lifetime. "But we will continue to show the world that NYC stands with Gaza, with Palestine, on the side of the oppressed, for the cause of justice."

Demonstrators protested and marched peacefully for hours before police began to block the groups' movement, Brooklyn Magazine reported.

Eventually, police amassed at 67th Street and Fifth Avenue, where police demanded protesters disperse over a loudspeaker, Brooklyn Paper reported.

Quickly the police advanced and started making arrests. Attendees and Brooklyn Paper say the police used violent tactics.

The NYPD told the Daily News protesters were throwing eggs, fireworks and bottles.

"The NYPD encourages peaceful protests but will not condone our officers being subjected to any form of violence," police told the Daily News.

Attendees at Saturday's rally told Brooklyn Paper how meaningful the display was in Bay Ridge, an area with a large Palestinian and Arab population.

"For us, it means a lot,” Abdullah Taylor told Brooklyn Paper. “One part of us is hurting, and my brothers and sisters are being killed unjustly. It causes a lot of pain, so that’s the reason why a lot of us Muslims are here today; that’s why am I here, specifically to stand beside my Muslim brothers and sisters.”

Just a day before, City Council Member Shahana Hanif and State Senator Jabari Brisport were arrested at a Midtown rally Friday alongside over 100 other pro-Palestinian protesters, according to organizers with Democratic Socialists of America.

The NYPD confirmed 139 people were taken into custody Friday and released with criminal court summonses.

"I was arrested alongside a multiracial coalition of New Yorkers, among them two members of my team, many Muslims and Jews, many whose first-time it was risking an arrest, demanding [Senator Gillibrant] and [Senator Schumer] support a ceasefire in Gaza," Hanif said in a tweet.

"What are you willing to put your body on the line for?"

Attendees at both rallies called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and ending U.S. aide to the Israeli military.

"As much as they want to make it about Muslim versus Jew, that's not what it's about," said Sheikh Mohammad Badawy of Brooklyn's MAS Youth Center. "It is about one thing only. It is only about one thing and that is injustice."

A week before, nearly 60 protesters were arrested at a demonstration at Grand Army Plaza, Gothamist reported.

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