Central Park’s Met Gala Disrupted by Anti-Israel Protestors: Hundreds Arrested, Graffiti Vandalism Occurs

During the glamorous Met Gala in Central Park, a group of anti-Israel protesters attempted to disrupt the event. Numbering around 1000 strong, they were stopped from reaching the Metropolitan Museum of Art where the annual fashion show was taking place. Despite being close to the protest location, a large police presence ensured that the event went smoothly.

The protesters were determined to make their voices heard and engaged in violent confrontations with New York City police at various locations near the Met Gala. As a result, several arrests were made. A report from The New York Post stated that the protesters vandalized the General William Tecumseh Sherman bronze statue in Grand Army Plaza by painting “Free Gaza” graffiti on its base and attaching a Palestinian flag to its front. Additionally, about two dozen protesters were arrested near Madison Avenue and East 83rd Street as they marched from Hunter College towards the Met.

Videos shared on social media captured the protests, with NYPD officers urging the protesters to limit their demonstrations to the sidewalk to avoid disrupting vehicular traffic. The protesters identified themselves as part of a “Day of Rage” protest organized by Within Our Lifetime, an activist group dedicated to promoting Palestinian rights. They chanted slogans such as “Disclose, divest, we will not stop, we will not rest” as they clashed with police in Central Park.