New York City police detained around 90 demonstrators on Monday during a peaceful sit-in on Third Avenue. The crowd gathered right outside the offices of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. These are two powerful Democrats with strong ties to Israel policy.
Jewish Voice for Peace, the main anti-war group behind the action, confirmed the arrest figure. Among those taken into custody was whistleblower Chelsea Manning, the former US Army soldier and WikiLeaks source. Officers moved in after the group blocked the street and refused to leave. The New York Police Department reported multiple arrests but gave no exact total.
Protesters Target Key US Lawmakers Over Middle East Policy
Demonstrators chanted “stop the bombs,” “end the killings,” and “free Palestine” as they sat on the pavement. They also called out “let Gaza live,” “let Iran live,” and “let Lebanon live.” The protest comes just weeks after US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28. This triggered wider fighting that killed thousands and displaced millions across the region.
Activists accuse Washington of fuelling the violence through continued weapons shipments. They point to Israel’s actions in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran as clear examples of how American support prolongs suffering. Moreover, the Trump administration has cracked down hard on such protests. It has attempted to deport foreign students, freeze university funding and screen immigrants’ social media posts.
Chelsea Manning and Others Face Arrest in Bold Sit-In
The demonstration highlights growing frustration in New York. The city became a hub for pro-Palestinian activism in 2024. Rights groups continue to scrutinise US military aid to Israel, especially after the Gaza war led to mass starvation, displacement and international genocide concerns. Police cleared the street after the arrests, but organisers vow to keep pressing for change.
