Anti-Israel protesters caused a disturbance at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, leading to multiple arrests by the NYPD. The protesters blocked the parade route and reportedly attempted to disrupt the event, with one group halting the Ronald McDonald balloon as it passed through W. 55th Street and Sixth Avenue.
Around 20 protesters, some carrying a banner reading “Don’t celebrate genocide,” sat in the parade path while chanting “Free, free Palestine.” Spectators reacted with loud boos, urging the protesters to move. NYPD officers quickly intervened, arresting the demonstrators, some of whom were seen being tackled to the ground and handcuffed. The arrests were met with cheers from the crowd, with some parade-goers chanting “USA! USA! USA!”
The disruption briefly halted the parade, but it resumed shortly after, with parade organizers assuring the crowd that Ronald McDonald would continue. Videos of the incident quickly spread on social media, with many condemning the protesters for disrupting the holiday event. Some social media users expressed their frustration, calling for the protesters to be jailed for their actions.
Ahead of the parade, New York City Mayor Eric Adams had warned against such disruptions, referencing last year’s protests when individuals glued themselves to the parade route. “It is not going to happen,” Adams said at the time.
