A group of protesters gathered near President Joe Biden’s campaign event in New York City, leading to reports of arrests and a heavy police presence. The demonstration began at Madison Square Park before marching towards the event venue, where Biden was set to hold a fundraiser.
The protest was organized by Within Our Lifetime, a pro-Palestinian group, which circulated a flyer urging attendees to “get there by any means necessary” to protest Biden’s presence. The flyer criticized the president as a “genocidal politician” who is not welcome in New York City.
As the protesters approached the event venue, the New York City Police Department responded with a strong presence, blocking off roads with bicycles and sanitation vehicles. This caused significant traffic delays for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Eyewitnesses reported that some protesters were arrested during the demonstration, although the majority were able to make their way through the crowds. The NYPD confirmed the arrests, but did not provide further details.
Meanwhile, Biden and first lady Jill Biden attended the opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center in Manhattan, a ceremony marking the 53rd anniversary of the Stonewall Inn riots. The riots, which took place in 1969, were a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, as they marked a turning point in the fight against discrimination and police brutality.
