Protesters demonstrating against the war in Gaza disrupted a Democratic rally and its after-party in New York City on Aug. 14 as the city’s federal, state, and municipal leaders gathered to show their support for Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
The protesters mostly gathered behind barricades and made noise across from the event, which was protected by a heavy police presence.
Later in the day, things got more chaotic at an after-party for the Democratic rally held at a Broadway restaurant.
Others appear to have been banging drums, ringing horns, and blowing whistles. Many of the protesters’ faces are covered in keffiyehs in the black-and-white pattern associated with Palestinians.
At one point, some of the protesters made their way inside the restaurant, where they proceeded to confront customers inside, shouting “You are liars” and “You set Palestine on fire,” among other things.
One man among the protesters could be heard shouting at the customers: “American citizen money goes to Israel and pays for this genocide. We all have a responsibility to say no, don’t walk away, there are children dying.”
Outside of the building, some of the protesters clashed with police, with video footage showing law enforcement officials arresting multiple individuals.
At times, the crowd appeared to overpower law enforcement officers, who repeatedly asked the protesters to “stay back.”
Large clouds of smoke could also be seen floating throughout the crowds of demonstrators, although it was not completely clear what was causing the smoke.
It is not known if anyone was injured during the demonstrations.
The Epoch Times has contacted the New York City Police Department (NYPD) for comment.
Harris will deliver a speech at next week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where delegates will formally endorse her and Walz as the party’s nominees for president and vice president.
