New York City police reported that 34 individuals were taken into custody after a pro-Palestinian demonstration at the Brooklyn Museum resulted in damage to artwork and harassment of security staff by protesters. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon when hundreds of demonstrators marched to the museum, set up tents in the lobby, and displayed a 'Free Palestine' banner from the building's roof.
Police intervened to make arrests as scuffles broke out outside the museum. Some protesters were tackled and punched by officers, while others threw plastic bottles and shouted insults. Additional demonstrators held banners, waved Palestinian flags, and chanted loudly on the museum's steps.
Of the 34 people detained, six were arrested and charged with offenses such as trespassing and assault. Twenty-three others were released after receiving tickets or summonses for misdemeanors including trespassing, making graffiti, damaging property, and resisting arrest. The status of the remaining five individuals was not disclosed by authorities.
Museum spokesperson Taylor Maatman stated that the museum closed early due to safety concerns for both visitors and the art collections. Maatman also mentioned that there was damage to existing and newly installed artwork on the plaza, and the public safety staff faced physical and verbal harassment.
The protest began near the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, with marchers proceeding to the museum about a mile away. Organizers, including the group Within Our Lifetime, urged supporters to 'flood' and 'de-occupy' the museum until officials disclose and divest from any investments related to Israel's actions in Gaza.
Social media videos showed museum guards attempting to secure doors against the crowd, with some protesters finding alternative ways inside. Within Our Lifetime reported that its chairperson was 'targeted and violently arrested' by police during the demonstration.
New York City has witnessed numerous street protests since the conflict between Israel and Hamas reignited in October. The Brooklyn Museum, located in the Crown Heights neighborhood, which houses one of the city's largest Orthodox Jewish communities, was at the center of this recent protest.
