The NYPD reported that nearly 100 people were arrested after staging a sit in at Trump Tower on Thursday.
Police said it began around 11:15 a.m. on Thursday.
Police reported that about 150 people in civilian clothing entered Trump Tower shortly before noon. They removed their shirts and revealed red t-shirts that had pro-Palestinian messages on them. Then they staged a sit in.
A video from the inside of the building shows that a group entered the public area and began chanting, “Free Mahmoud”, a reference for the pro-Palestinian Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the weekend. The video also shows a group of protesters chanting and clapping in the lobby.
Within 10 minutes we began responding from here at the police department. We began making arrests within 40 to 50 minutes. “We made 98 arrests for trespassing and obstructing government administration in this building,” said NYPD Chief Department John Chell. “We secured the building, we secured the perimeter, and removed those who were arrested.” I am pleased with the professionalism we displayed today. “Quite honestly, there were no damages to property or injuries and we cleaned this up in two hours. This was a huge task for the NYPD.”
Debra Winger, an actor, is said to be among the protestors.
Since October 7th, ’23, the NYPD has dealt with over 5,000 protests. “We’re the best at what we do. I think today we showed what a professional organisation we are, and how well it is done,” Chell said.
Who is Mahmoud Khalil?
Khalil, a pro Palestinian activist was arrested by ICE agents in New York City on Saturday. He was then transferred to Louisiana where he will be held pending a hearing about whether or not he can be deported. Khalil’s arrest on Saturday by ICE agents and subsequent transfer to Louisiana for a hearing to determine whether he could be deported set off a highly-publicized legal battle, and demonstrations.
