Manhattan police arrested dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters Thursday evening after they blocked traffic arteries near the United Nations building, shortly before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled address to the UN General Assembly.
The demonstrators had gathered to protest Netanyahu's arrival, and security forces moved in to clear the roadblocks set up in the secured zone around UN headquarters.
Among those detained were several prominent names from American entertainment and political activism. Police arrested Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon, known for her political involvement, alongside Emmy Award winners Cynthia Nixon and Hannah Einbinder. Actor Elliot Page was also present at the demonstration in support of the protest.
The wave of arrests extended to major political and public figures as well. Those taken into custody included WikiLeaks whistleblower Chelsea Manning, political activist Linda Sarsour, and Desiree Avila Shebley, who recently won the Democratic Party primary as a congressional candidate.
Police also arrested an aide to New York State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, who was recently barred from entering Israel. Large police forces deployed around the UN compound continued clearing the streets and arresting protesters who refused to comply with orders, working to allow the passage of secured motorcades and the normal conduct of the diplomatic event.
