Elliot Page, Susan Sarandon block roads, demonstrate against Netanyahu outside UN as NYPD arrests Darializa Chevalier, Gustavo Gordillo, others

Police moved in on Thursday afternoon to arrest a large group of protestors who blocked streets outside of the United Nations building in New York City. The protests came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly. 

Among those seen in the crowd were trans-identified female actress Ellen “Elliot” Page, fellow actress Susan Sarandon, and trans-identified male whistleblower Chelsea Manning. 

The group was seen wearing shirts that read “fund people people not bombs” and carried red banners reading “Jews say stop arming Israel,” and “Netanyahu wanted for genocide.” 

They chanted “block the bombs on Iran, block the bombs on Lebanon, block the bombs on Palestine, no more killing on our dime,” and “free Palestine.”

Police were heard warning the group that since they refused to leave the roadway, they were being placed under arrest, and resisting arrest could lead to further charges. Per the Guardian, organizers estimated that over 100 people were arrested. 

Also arrested at the protest were socialist House candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, City Councilmember Chi Osse, Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, and DSA New York City co-chair Gustavo Gordillo, per Gothamist. Another pro-Palestinian protest is expected later on Thursday, which will march from Bryant Park to the UN’s headquarters. 

Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani had vowed to have Netanyahu arrested when he came to the city, however, he admitted earlier in 2026 that he does not have the legal authority to order his arrest. Mamdani called on federal officials to step in and arrest the Israeli leader. 

Aber Kawas, a Palestinian-American candidate for state Senate who was arrested on Thursday, told the Guardian, “Mayor Mamdani campaigned and won his election speaking about a promise to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu and that was something that thousands and hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers voted for. Him winning is sending a message that this is what constituents want to see. They do not want Benjamin Netanyahu to be allowed to enter into New York City and they want Benjamin Netanyahu to be arrested.”