New York City police have arrested over two dozen individuals in connection with Friday’s pro-Palestinian protests at the Brooklyn Museum. Among the 29 individuals detained, six face charges including assault and criminal trespassing. Additionally, 16 people were released with court appearance orders, while seven received summonses and were released, according to a spokesperson from the New York City Police Department.
During Friday’s protests, pro-Palestinian demonstrators seized control of parts of the art museum in Brooklyn. Witnesses observed protesters hanging a banner above the main entrance, occupying much of the lobby, and clashing with police. The museum closed an hour early due to the disruptions, citing skirmishes between police and protesters inside and outside the building.
A museum spokesperson revealed via email that both existing and newly installed artwork on the plaza suffered damage. Museum staff also faced physical and verbal harassment from protesters who entered the building.
The protests coincided with hundreds of demonstrators marching through Brooklyn, some attempting to rush the museum’s entrance. While security guards prevented many from entering, some protesters gained access. A banner displaying the message “Free Palestine, Divest From Genocide” was hung from the museum’s neoclassical facade.
Organized by the pro-Palestinian “Within Our Lifetime,” the demonstrations aimed to demand disclosure of any Israel-related investments by the museum and call for divestment from such funding.
Meanwhile, protests against Israel’s Gaza war persist across the United States, particularly on university campuses. On Saturday, hundreds of students and faculty reportedly staged a walkout during the University of Chicago’s graduation ceremony, as reported by the Chicago Tribune.
