Mass arrests at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as anti-Israel protesters block path

Anti-Israel protesters tried to ruin the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the second year running Thursday, with cops quickly swarming in to make mass arrests.

Protesters entered the parade route at W. 55th Street and Sixth Avenue, stopping the Ronald McDonald balloon in its tracks — and prompting loud boos from parade-goers screaming at the group of about 20 to move.

Police officers detain protesters during the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, U.S., November 28, 2024. REUTERS
People protest during the 98th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, U.S., November 28, 2024. REUTERS

Photos showed protesters sitting in the parade’s path, with some carrying a large banner reading: “Don’t celebrate genocide!”

NYPD officers quickly descended upon the group, who shouted “Free, free Palestine!” as they were tackled to the ground and placed in handcuffs.

Protesters entered the parade route at W. 55th Street and Sixth Avenue. REUTERS
The protests were met with boos and jeers from spectators gathered to watch the parade. REUTERS

Video shows some unruly protesters being pulled away and flipped over onto their stomachs to be handcuffed while others willingly stood up and walked with police away from the parade. 

The footage also captured protesters holding the banner scuffling with cops before they thrown onto the ground and handcuffed on top of their crumpled-up sign. 

Many in the crowd chanted “USA! USA! USA!” as the protesters were quickly taken away. 

Video shows some unruly protesters being pulled away and flipped over onto their stomachs to be handcuffed while others willingly stood up and walked with police away from the parade.  REUTERS
Mayor Eric Adams had already warned protesters not to dare repeat last year’s disgrace, where many glued their hands to the parade route. zoe hussain / NY POST

After about five minutes the parade began to move again, with the balloon line leader telling the audience, “Ronald McDonald, everybody!”

Mayor Eric Adams had already warned protesters not to dare repeat last year’s disgrace, where many glued their hands to the parade route.

“I really want to take the moment to tell those grinches that believe they are going to disrupt the parade that it is not going to happen,” Adams said Wednesday night ahead of the iconic parade.

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