‘Christmas Is Canceled’: Six Arrested, Officer Injured During Pro-Palestinian Protests In NYC On Christmas

At least one police officer was injured and several people were arrested during pro-Palestinian protests in New York City on Christmas Day, according to the NYPD.

Six people were arrested during protests in Manhattan on Monday as protesters chanted “Christmas is canceled here,” and held up signs taking aim at Israel amid its war with Hamas. According to the New York Post, four people were arrested for disorderly conduct, one over graffiti, and another for menacing conduct. 

The NYPD said that an officer injured his knee while assisting another officer but was in stable condition. 

The crowd also chanted “long live the intifada” and held up signs like “While Ur Shopping Bombs are Dropping” and a “No Joy in Genocide.” The protesters gathered around iconic NYC locations like the Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Grand Central Station, and Union Square. 

Other slogans used by the crowd included: “From NY to Gaza, Globalize the Intifada;” “Netanyahu is a warmonger,” and “Israel kills babies.” 

The NYPD told the Daily Mail that police moved to a level three police mobilization to respond to the Christmas day protests. During a level three response all special police units are activated and police activate an increased presence throughout the city. 

Also on Christmas, protesters targeted the homes of Biden administration officials in response to their handling of the war between Israel and Hamas. Demonstrators showed up outside the homes of National Security advisor Jake Sullivan and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday. 

“Austin, Austin, rise and shine, no sleep during genocide,” protestors chanted outside the home of Austin. 

NYC has had frequent pro-Palestinian protests in the wake of Hamas October 7 terrorist attacks that left over 1,200 Israelis dead and thousands more injured. Last month, a mob of pro–Palestinian protesters attempted to kick in a door at Grand Central Station in New York City as demonstrators throughout the city tore down American flags and vandalized buildings.

The demonstrations were part of a “flood Manhattan for Gaza” protest organized by the pro-Palestinian groups Within Our Lifetime and the City University of New York for Palestine.