Pro-Palestinian demonstrators enter Brooklyn Museum; damage reported inside

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Saturday, June 1, 2024
NYPD makes arrests after protesters cause damage at Brooklyn Museum
According to a statement from the museum, protesters were blocking entrances and were unfurling banners both inside and outside the building.

PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Brooklyn (WABC) -- A group of pro-Palestinian protesters made their way inside the Brooklyn Museum on Friday afternoon.

Around 4:30 p.m. the group of demonstrators came up Eastern Parkway and began protesting outside the plaza as well as inside the building, damaging existing and newly installed artwork on the plaza.

According to a statement from the museum, protesters were blocking entrances and were unfurling banners both inside and outside the building. Members of the museum's public safety staff were also physically and verbally harassed.

The museum made the decision to close early so visitors could vacate peacefully.

Police did not say how many arrests were made.

Also on Friday, a new encampment was set up at Columbia University.

A university spokesperson released a statement saying,

"We are aware of the encampment erected this evening and are monitoring the situation. We remain committed to hosting a successful weekend for our alumni."

This comes as the NYPD is having extra security measures in place at Sunday's Israel Day on Fifth Parade in Manhattan.

While there are no credible threats, spectators should expect a level that is similar to what is seen during New Year's Eve in Times Square.

ALSO READ | NYPD warning thieves targeting Central Park visitors in Zelle scam

Janice Yu has the full report on Zelle scamming.

----------
* More Brooklyn news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.