In a series of coast-to-coast protests, over 60 individuals were arrested near New York's JFK and Los Angeles' LAX airports as pro-Palestinian demonstrators blocked roads, bringing two of the nation's busiest airports to a standstill.
In New York, activists disrupted traffic on the Van Wyck Expressway leading to JFK Airport. Locked in arms and displaying banners, they called for an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict and expanded rights for Palestinians. The demonstration resulted in a 20-minute standstill, with some travelers abandoning vehicles to navigate on foot. Chants of "from the river to the sea" sparked controversy, with some considering it a call for the destruction of Israel.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reported 26 arrests for disorderly conduct and impeding traffic. Two buses were dispatched to assist stranded travelers.
Simultaneously, in Los Angeles, another group of pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted a major thoroughfare leading to LAX. Traffic cones, trash bins, scooters, and debris were used to block lanes. The Los Angeles Police Department accused protesters of attacking a police officer and uninvolved passersby. The group dispersed upon police intervention, but traffic disruptions persisted for approximately two hours.
The LAPD reported 35 arrests for rioting and one arrest for battery of a police officer. Despite the incident, no officers were injured. The protests occurred during a day when an estimated 215,000 passengers and 87,000 vehicles were expected at LAX.
Anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian protests have been escalating across the United States since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7. Demonstrators have targeted high-profile events in New York, prompting Mayor Eric Adams to express concern about the disruption of city activities and hinting at a potential need for an increased police response.
As tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict continue, these incidents highlight the challenges faced by authorities in managing large-scale protests and ensuring public safety.