A mob of hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters flooded the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and clashed with police as they attempted to disrupt the annual tradition.
According to the New York Post, the protesters clashed with police and chanted, “River to the sea,” a slogan the Anti-Defamation League has labeled antisemitic Wednesday night.
Unable to shut down the event, many of the protesters went to the News Corp building where Fox News and the New York Post operate.
Viral News News NYC posted a video of protesters being pushed back by police forces.
Rockefeller Center NYC
— Viral News NYC (@ViralNewsNYC) November 30, 2023
Choas erupted during a Pro Palestinians rally, and multiple people were arrested.
For licensing email viralnewsnyc@gmail.com pic.twitter.com/3BlWEhGQLI
“Choas erupted during a Pro Palestinians rally, and multiple people were arrested,” they reported.
Six adults and one juvenile were arrested, according to ABC. Misdemeanor charges are expected against several of the adults, the rest will receive summonses.
Despite the clashes, the tree was successfully lit.
The 2023 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is officially lit 🎄 pic.twitter.com/QtXfw2Gfte
— Rockefeller Center (@rockcenternyc) November 30, 2023
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rapper Flavor Flav was there to celebrate the event.
Flavor Flav in the place to be lighting up the Rockefeller Christmas tree pic.twitter.com/qoQNvqm7ai
— FLAVOR FLAV (@FlavorFlav) November 30, 2023
There was a mixed response to the Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony in the wake of the protests.
Journalist David Atherton posted footage and wrote, “Palestinian supporters gather to chant at the recently erected Christmas tree, they chant: “Burn it down!”
At the Rockefeller Center in Mid-Town Manhattan the Christmas season has begun.
— David Atherton (@DaveAtherton20) November 30, 2023
Palestinian supporters gather to chant at the recently erected Christmas tree, they chant:
"Burn it down!" pic.twitter.com/11lS44khDz
Reporter Nick Sortor posted a video of people waving Palestinian flags and stated, “The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting in NYC, which is supposed to be a FAMILY EVENT, has been taken over by pro-Palestine “protestors.”
❗️ The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree lighting in NYC, which is supposed to be a FAMILY EVENT, has been taken over by pro-Palestine “protestors.”
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) November 30, 2023
HOW DO WE TAKE BACK AMERICA? pic.twitter.com/EmA1j4zQPk
“HOW DO WE TAKE BACK AMERICA?” he asked.
Gerard Kassar, chairman of the New York State Conservative Party, praised the police noting, “So was the plan last night for pro Palestinian protestors to over run the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting – a national event.”
So was the plan last night for pro Palestinian protestors to over run the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting – a national event. If not for the massive police presence several thousand protestors would have encountered several thousand event attendees. Thank you NYPD
— gerardkassar (@gerardkas) November 30, 2023
“If not for the massive police presence several thousand protestors would have encountered several thousand event attendees. Thank you NYPD,” he concluded.