Protesters arrested outside Schumer's NYC office demand end to US support for Israel

New York City police arrested dozens of anti-Israel agitators on Monday after they attempted to storm the Manhattan office of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) before spilling into the streets and stopping traffic.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) told the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) that “multiple” arrests were made following the disruption, but did not give an exact number.

Oliya Scootercaster captured video showing the radicals, many affiliated with Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and other anti-Israel groups, attempting to enter a building they claimed houses offices for Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). After being denied access, several protesters removed outer clothing to reveal their t-shirts branded with the slogan “fund people, not bombs.”

Protesters sat on the sidewalk, chanting “free Palestine” and calling to stop US military actions abroad, before moving onto Third Avenue and blocking traffic.

Footage from the scene showed Chelsea Manning, the former Army intelligence analyst convicted under the Espionage Act, among the crowd. Also participating was Linda Sarsour, the former head of the Women’s March, who was bounced from the organization after a series of antisemitic comments. Manning was reportedly taken into police custody during the protest.

Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidate in New York’s 13th Congressional District, Darializa Avila Chevalier, was also arrested “along with 100 others,” according to her campaign.

JVP, which organized the protest, claimed hundreds participated in the action aimed at pressuring Schumer and Gillibrand ahead of a Senate vote related to weapons transfers and sales to Israel.

Organizers have already announced additional protests, including a planned march in Herald Square on April 18 tied to Palestinian Prisoners’ Day, calling for the release of terrorists in Israeli jails, raising concerns about more unrest.