Pro-Palestine protestors block Thanksgiving parade for second year

New York police arrested a group of pro-Palestinian activists who interrupted the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, Reuters reported.

The annual event, now in its 98th year, is a hallmark of Thanksgiving celebrations across the US. The parade draws thousands to Manhattan’s streets and millions more to their television screens, featuring massive helium balloons, marching bands, and live performances.

The protest unfolded in the heart of the parade route, as about 20 demonstrators sat in the rain, forming a human blockade.

Behind them, others unfurled banners reading “Don’t celebrate genocide” and “Arms embargo now!”

According to the New York Police Department (NYPD), the protesters were taken into custody without any major incidents. However, the exact number of detainees and potential charges remain unclear.

Jessica Tisch, sworn in as NYPD Commissioner earlier this week, had indicated before the parade that authorities were prepared for any potential disruptions.

Speaking to NBC News, Tisch said, “We’ve got lots of resources out there. We have resources you can see and resources you can’t see. We have our canines, we have our drones. We have the full complement of security out there for the parade.”