New York City police said on Saturday they had taken into custody more than two dozen people in connection with Friday’s pro-Palestinian protests at the Brooklyn Museum.
Six of the 29 individuals were arrested and charged with offenses including assault and criminal trespassing, while 16 people were released with orders to appear in court and another seven were issued summonses and released, a New York City Police Department spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
“There was damage to existing and newly installed artwork on our plaza,” a museum spokesperson said. “Protesters entered the building, and our public safety staff were physically and verbally harassed. Hundreds of demonstrators were marching through Brooklyn when some of them rushed the entrance. Security guards prevented many from entering but some managed to get inside.
A banner was hung from atop the neoclassical facade proclaiming, “Free Palestine, Divest From Genocide.” A pro-Palestinian organization named “Within Our Lifetime” urged demonstrators to “flood Brooklyn Museum for Gaza.” It said activists occupied the museum to compel it to disclose any Israel-related investments and to divest any such funding.
Demonstrations against Israel’s war in Gaza have continued in the United States, largely on university campuses. On Saturday, hundreds of students and faculty walked out of the University of Chicago’s graduation ceremony, the Chicago Tribune reported.
(With agency inputs)
Comments
0 comment