Pro-Palestinian Sit-in Leads to Arrests Outside NY Stock Exchange

On October 14, 2024, approximately 200 demonstrators were arrested during a sit-in protest outside the New York Stock Exchange, voicing their opposition to Israel's military actions in Gaza. The protest was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, with participants chanting slogans such as "Let Gaza live!" and calling for an end to U.S. military support for Israel. The demonstration occurred a week after the anniversary of Hamas's attack on Israel, which triggered a significant military response from Israel in Gaza and surrounding regions. The protesters expressed their concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, accusing the U.S. of complicity in what they termed genocide against Palestinians. They highlighted the financial gains of weapons manufacturers on Wall Street, suggesting that U.S. arms sales were contributing to the violence. Counterprotesters, waving Israeli flags, attempted to disrupt the demonstration but were largely outnumbered. As the protest unfolded, police enforced a perimeter, preventing demonstrators from entering the stock exchange building. Arrests were made one by one, with some protesters resisting and requiring multiple officers to carry them away. The police spokesperson confirmed around 200 arrests, although specific charges were not disclosed. This protest reflects the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the international response to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, as activists continue to call for accountability and change in U.S. foreign policy regarding Israel.