Pro-Palestinian protesters storm Hamilton Heights restaurant

A group of pro-Palestinian protesters created a chaotic scene at the Bird in Hand restaurant in Hamilton Heights on Tuesday night, demanding to see Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul. The demonstrators, who carried signs supporting Palestine and Hamas, chanted slogans accusing the officials of being responsible for the deaths of children. Despite their demands, neither official was present at the restaurant, located at West 146th Street and Broadway. As the protesters entered the establishment, reactions among patrons varied; some continued their meals while others appeared shocked by the disruption. Upon realizing that their targets were not in attendance, the group moved outside, where tensions escalated further. The situation intensified when smoke bombs were set off, prompting a response from law enforcement. Brian Felicetta, co-owner of Bird in Hand, commended his staff and the police for their efforts in managing the situation. He expressed pride in his team's ability to maintain calm and ensure the safety of patrons during the tense encounter. "A situation like this has the opportunity to get bad real quick," Felicetta noted, highlighting the professionalism displayed by his staff and the police. In total, police made 14 arrests related to the incident, underscoring the seriousness of the protest and the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining order during such demonstrations.