A pro-Palestinian protest at the Brooklyn Museum resulted in 34 arrests and reported damage to some artwork.
Demonstrators called for the museum to disclose and divest from investments linked to Israel, while police intervened to disperse the crowd, leading to several confrontations.
Key Takeaways
- Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered at the Brooklyn Museum, leading to 34 detentions and reported damage to artwork.
- The demonstration saw clashes between police and protesters, with arrests made for various misdemeanors and crimes.
- Protesters called for the museum to disclose and divest from financial ties to Israel and condemned the lack of public statements on the conflict in Gaza.
Hundreds Gather at Brooklyn Museum, 34 Detained
On Friday, a pro-Palestinian protest at the Brooklyn Museum led to the detention of 34 individuals by New York City police.
The protest resulted in damage to some artwork and harassment of security staff.
Hundreds of protesters marched from the Barclays Center to the museum, setting up tents in the lobby and unfurling a “Free Palestine” banner from the roof.
New York City police officers engaged in physical altercations with some protesters outside the museum while other demonstrators hurled plastic bottles at officers.
Many protesters held banners, waved Palestinian flags, and chanted on the museum’s steps.
Arrests and Charges
Of the 34 people detained, 6 were arrested and charged with crimes ranging from trespassing to assault.
Another 23 were released after receiving tickets or summonses for misdemeanors, including trespassing, making graffiti, damaging property, and resisting arrest.
Police did not provide information on the remaining 5 individuals.
The Statement from Cultural Front for Free Palestine
The Cultural Front for Free Palestine (CFFP), an advocacy coalition, issued a statement ahead of the protest. In it, the group criticized the lack of public statements from major art institutions on Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
They cited the death of over 30,000 Palestinians as reported by the local health ministry and highlighted the offensive in Rafah, where one million Palestinians sought refuge.
The coalition called for the museum to recognize the war in Gaza as a genocide, disclose financial ties to companies profiting from arming Israel, and divest from any investments linked to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
March and Protest Details
The protest began across the street from the Barclays Center, and by 4:30 p.m., protestors were inside the museum’s lobby, holding banners and beating drums.
Organizers, including the group Within Our Lifetime, aimed to “flood” and “de-occupy” the museum, demanding the museum disclose and divest from any investments linked to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Protest Conclusion and Arrests
By 5:20 p.m. on Friday, police and museum security had dispersed protesters from the museum lobby.
Protesters had scattered synthetic red poppy petals, a symbol of resistance, across the floor and remained peaceful while holding banners with slogans like “Silence = Death.”
Some protesters intended to occupy the museum overnight by setting up tents.
By 6 p.m., most protesters had left the museum entrance and atrium roof, but a crowd remained outside.
Some scrawled slogans on the Deborah Kass’ OY/YO installation led to further arrests. Police removed the banner amid boos from the crowd.
Brooklyn Museum’s Response to the Protest
Museum spokesperson Taylor Maatman stated that the museum closed an hour early due to safety concerns.
Maatman confirmed that existing and newly installed artworks on the plaza were damaged, and public safety staff faced physical and verbal harassment.
Museum Protest Highlights Activists’ Demands for Accountability
The pro-Gaza protest at the Brooklyn Museum underscored activists’ and community members’ calls for accountability and transparency, especially regarding the museum’s financial connections to controversial international actions.
Significantly, the protest caused multiple disruptions, including arrests, damage to artwork, and the museum closing early, showing the intensity and determination of the demonstrators.
This event highlights the significant role cultural institutions play in reflecting societal values and the ongoing discussions about fairness and human rights.
