Anti-war protesters arrested in New York urging end to Israel weapon sales

Nearly 100 Arrested in New York Protest Against US Arms Sales to Israel

NEW YORK — Nearly 100 anti-war protesters were arrested in New York City on Monday during a demonstration outside the offices of Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, calling for an end to US weapons sales to Israel, according to multiple reports.

The protest, organized by the anti-war group Jewish Voice for Peace, drew hundreds of demonstrators who attempted to stage a sit-in inside the lawmakers' Manhattan offices before being blocked by security, as reported by Reuters. The group said around 90 people were detained, a figure echoed by additional reports.

Among those detained was whistleblower Chelsea Manning, a former US Army soldier and WikiLeaks source, according to Reuters and other outlets. Actor Hari Nef and New York City Council Member Alexa Aviles were also among the arrestees, as reported by Al Jazeera and other sources. The New York City Police Department confirmed "multiple" arrests but did not provide a precise number, according to Reuters.

Protesters chanted slogans such as "stop the bombs," "end the killings," and "free Palestine," while also shouting "let Gaza live," "let Iran live," and "let Lebanon live," per Reuters and Al Jazeera.

The demonstration coincided with an effort by Senator Bernie Sanders to block a proposed sale of more than $600 million in bombs to Israel, as reported by Al Jazeera. Sanders, an independent from Vermont, has introduced similar measures in the past that have failed, according to Al Jazeera. The New York protest was part of a broader campaign opposing US military support for Israel, which has faced scrutiny from rights groups during Israel's military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

The context includes the US and Israel launching attacks on Iran on February 28, with Iran responding with strikes on Israel and Gulf states housing US bases, as reported by Reuters. These actions have killed thousands and displaced millions, according to the same report.

In the United States, the Trump administration has cracked down on protests, attempting to deport foreign students, threatening to freeze university funding, and ordering screening of immigrants' online comments, according to Reuters. These measures have faced judicial obstacles, the report added.

New York City was a focal point of pro-Palestinian protests in 2024, as Reuters noted, and Monday's demonstration continues that trend amidst ongoing regional conflict.