NYC Rep Condemns Violent Anti-Israel Protest

Rep. Adriano Espaillat, a progressive Democrat from New York, has strongly denounced a violent anti-Israel protest that took place in his district earlier this week. In a statement released Thursday, Espaillat emphasized the importance of peaceful protest but condemned the actions of demonstrators who stormed the Bird in the Hand restaurant in Hamilton Heights. He described the incident as involving "violence, bullying, and intimidation" directed at law enforcement, restaurant patrons, and bystanders. The protest, which occurred on Tuesday night, featured activists carrying pro-Hamas signs and images of the group's recently assassinated leader. They were reportedly seeking New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul, who were not present. Espaillat noted that the protest resulted in significant damage to the restaurant's outdoor dining area, the triggering of smoke alarms, and a general atmosphere of fear among guests. Espaillat, a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and a senior whip for the House Democratic Caucus, expressed solidarity with the restaurant owners and patrons, labeling the violent actions as "cowardly and unacceptable." The incident reflects the broader turmoil within the Democratic Party following Hamas' surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which has led to increased tensions and calls from some progressive factions to reassess U.S. relations with Israel. The protest is part of a larger trend of escalating demonstrations across the U.S., where pro-Gaza activists have disrupted Democratic events and vandalized congressional offices, highlighting the growing divide within the party regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.