Chicago – November 28, 2024
A group of pro-Palestinian protesters briefly stopped the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday. The interruption happened just before the Ronald McDonald float passed by.
The annual parade, now in its 98th year, is a popular Thanksgiving tradition, featuring giant balloons of cartoon characters, marching bands, and live music. Thousands of people line the streets of Manhattan to watch, and it is broadcast nationwide.
The protesters, about 20 in total, sat in the street despite steady rain, holding signs with messages like “Don’t celebrate genocide” and “Arms embargo now!” Police initially asked them to leave, but later, officers on bicycles arrived and arrested them without any incidents, according to the NYPD. The number of arrests and possible charges were not immediately clear.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who started her new role earlier this week, had said before the parade that police were prepared for any disruptions. “We have lots of resources, both visible and hidden,” Tisch told NBC. She also mentioned the use of drones, canine units, and other security measures.
Despite the brief protest, the parade continued, delighting crowds who gathered to celebrate the Thanksgiving tradition.
