NEW YORK — The annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting was overshadowed on Wednesday as a pro-Palestinian demonstration escalated into violence, with seven people arrested.
Despite heightened security by the NYPD, demonstrators managed to break through barricades, leading to physical altercations between police and protestors. One minor and six adults were taken into custody and will be charged with misdemeanors.
NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey acknowledged the challenges, stating, “This is the ebb and flow of protests. We try to keep it calm, we let them move, we let them exercise their right. Sometimes things get a little hectic, but we’re gonna do our best out here to keep everybody safe.”
Organizers anticipated a peaceful event with over 1,000 people gathered in support of Palestinians earlier. However, tensions rose and fights erupted over controversial signs, resulting in ongoing clashes between demonstrators and police.
Despite the disruptions, the nearby tree lighting celebration remained unaffected by the incident.
