The Police arrested over two dozen pro-Palestinian protesters on Wednesday, December 27, 2033. According to reports, the protesters blocked traffic heading to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. However, this blockage happened during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, per the Port Authority Police Department.
The activist blocked traffic, demanding a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. They blocked the road to one of the country’s biggest and busiest airports. Consequently, travelers had to leave their cars and walk to the airport in New York with their luggage. Hence, the police arrested 26 people on charges of disorderly conduct.
Also, according to a statement from the police, they arrested them for impeding vehicular traffic. According to the authorities, the police first responded to protest reports outside the airport, along Van Wyck Expressway, around 11:30 a.m.
However, they cleared the roadway 20 minutes later. Due to the blockage, Port Authorities sent two airport buses to offer rides to affected travelers. “During the disruption, the Port Authority dispatched two airport buses,” the media relations reported. “Offering rides to travelers involved in the backup to allow them to reach the airport safely.”
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According to a video making rounds on social media, protesters joined hands to create a line blocking traffic. In addition, they held signs calling for a free Palestine. Also, the protesters chanted, “From the sea to the river, Palestine will live forever.”
In addition, the Port Authority Police appeared. They arrested the demonstrators and loaded them onto an airport bus, taking them into custody. Similarly, in Los Angeles, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered near the LAX sign at the airport.
The protesters blocked traffic on West Century Boulevard near the Los Angeles International Airport entrance. Consequently, the Los Angeles Police Department said, “The LAPD is aware of an ongoing protest within the LAX area.”
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The department told travelers to “Please avoid the area and continue to monitor for updates.” However, according to reports, authorities declared an unlawful assembly when the protesters blocked traffic outside the Los Angeles International Airport.
According to the FOX 11 crew at the scene, the protesters carried signs that read messages such as “Ceasefire is not enough” and “Free Palestine.” However, when police arrived, the protesters reportedly ran off in different directions. Nonetheless, officials took some into custody and detained a dozen protesters.
Since the protests occurred during the busiest weeks for the airports, port authorities expect around 39 million passengers to jet to destinations during the following weeks. Consequently, airports are preparing to receive up to 2.5 million people every day.
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In addition, the TSA projected a six percent increase in passengers compared to 2022, with the busiest days being December 21, 29, and January 1. Since the Israel-Hamas war broke out in October, there have been protests across the United States, including on college campuses.
In separate protests last month, demonstrators blocked cars near the airport in Los Angeles and on the 110 freeway. Also, a few days before the protests in New York City and Los Angeles, pro-Palestinian activists organized a similar demonstration in Chicago.
A multi-car caravan led by the U.S. Palestinian Community Network blocked roads leading into O’Hare International Airport.
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