Mob Of Pro-Palestine Protestors Storm Brooklyn Bridge & Force Traffic To Stop
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on April 15, 2024 at 4:55 PM EDT
Videos have flooded X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, showing the moment dozens of protestors took over the Brooklyn Bridge.
This news comes just hours after the Golden Gate Bridge had to shut down due to pro-Palestine protestors on Monday morning.
Brooklyn Bridge Is Flooded With Pro-Palestine Protestors On Tax Day
Now the pro-Palestine mob has taken over the Brooklyn Bridge!! pic.twitter.com/cNRffkq9Hp
— 🇺🇸ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) April 15, 2024
In one video, which looks to be from the point of view of a protestor, dozens of individuals are seen running on the side of the Brooklyn Bridge, setting off red and green smoke bombs and holding up signs. There is currently a live stream of the New York protest.
Approximately 12 of the protestors have been arrested by the New York Police Department, per FOX.
Many groups protesting chose Monday, April 15, as it is Tax Day, and the groups are calling for an end to U.S. taxpayer funding for Israel.
"The upcoming national strike on April 15th is not merely an act of solidarity but a direct demand on the U.S. administration to take decisive and permanent action to end the ongoing genocide in Gaza.," the STRIKE4GAZA Coalition wrote in a press release.
Protestors Gather Across The United States
NOW: A protester stands in the street to direct protesters, blocking 2 NYPD squad cars
The march contingent was heading towards the Brooklyn Bridge but later changed directions and is heading back to Borough Hall pic.twitter.com/OUyFS7UCuh
— katie smith (@probablyreadit) April 15, 2024
"This call to action encompasses a simple yet powerful call to action: join us and strike for Gaza," STRIKE4GAZA Coalition added. "With 3.45 million Muslims in the United States, our collective strength cannot be underestimated. We implore every member of the Muslim community and our allies to stand in solidarity with Gaza by participating in the national strike on April 15th."
The group added, "It’s time to make our voices heard through both our conscious refusal to engage in work, school, and all sectors of the economy, and our resolute presence in the fight against injustice."
Protestors Share POV Video Of Brooklyn Bridge Takeover
We’re on top of the Brooklyn bridge, walking through traffic! pic.twitter.com/Hq4vmeCC4s
— Luis.Documents🧢 (@mfsgottenshook) April 15, 2024
In another post, shared by one of the protestors, viewers can see a group of people walking through traffic while holding up the Palestinian flag.
"We’re on top of the Brooklyn Bridge, walking through traffic!" the X user shared.
According to other reports, there is "a massive sea of NYPD are on the bridge following [the protestors]."
Golden Gate Bridge Shuts Down Due To Protestors
Protesters with a banner that read “Stop the world for Gaza” blocked traffic Monday morning in the southbound lane of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, shutting down the bridge in both directions. pic.twitter.com/xp5iYdh9ta
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 15, 2024
The Brooklyn Bridge takeover comes hours after the Golden Gate Bridge was shut down by a group called A-15.
Another group called Chicago Dissenters closed roads leading to O'Hare Airport, Chicago. The group released a statement in an Instagram post:
"On this Tax Day, when millions are paying taxes which fund the ongoing U.S. and Israeli bombardment of Gaza, protestors seek to take dramatic action. O'Hare International Airport is one of the largest in the country, and there will be NO business as usual while Palestinians suffer at the hands of American-funded bombing by Israel."
Another protest was reported in front of the New York Stock Exchange earlier on Monday.
Why Protests Are Happening On Tax Day
About half the #A15 @WOLPalestine demo got on the Brooklyn Bridge before NYPD closed access and violently arrested a woman who got on last, losing her shoe. A massive sea of NYPD are on the bridge following them, with foot traffic also closed but bike path not. pic.twitter.com/RDpMIRNmAD
— Talia Jane ❤️🔥 (@taliaotg) April 15, 2024
The reason many pro-Palestine groups chose Monday, April 15, to protest is because they want to put an end to U.S. taxpayer funding for Israel, and April 15 is considered Tax Day in America.
"We don't want our tax dollars to fund genocide. There's a strike happening all across the country today," Nerdeen Kiwanis, organizer at Within our Lifetime, said of the decision to protest on Tax Day. "Students are taking off of school, people are calling out of work, people are refusing to shop/spending any money today."