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Edited by: Fern Sidman
For the second consecutive year, anti-Israel protesters attempted to derail the beloved Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, creating a scene of chaos on Thursday before police swiftly intervened. According to a report on Thursday morning in The New York Post, a group of about 20 demonstrators stormed the parade route at West 55th Street and Sixth Avenue, stopping the iconic Ronald McDonald balloon in its tracks and provoking loud boos from the crowd.
The protesters, chanting “Free, free Palestine!” and holding a large banner reading “Don’t celebrate genocide!” planted themselves in the middle of the parade path, bringing the procession to a standstill. Parade-goers erupted in frustration, with many shouting at the group to move, according to The New York Post report.
🚨🇺🇸#BREAKING | UPDATE
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE ! NYPD ARRESTS A COUPLE DOZEN PRO-PALESTINE PROTESTERS.THIS IS AT THE MACY’S DAY PARADE MINUTES AGO THE CROWD SEEMS TO CHEER AND CLAP AS
THEY WERE GETTING ARRESTED ⚠️🍗🦃 pic.twitter.com/j2Uiw5KYxi— Todd Paron🇺🇸🇬🇷🎧👽 (@tparon) November 28, 2024
The NYPD responded with remarkable speed, descending on the protesters within moments of the disruption. As The New York Post report indicated, officers tackled several demonstrators to the ground, handcuffing them in front of jeering onlookers. Some protesters resisted, scuffling with police as they attempted to maintain their positions. Photos captured by The New York Post showed the chaotic scene, including officers flipping protesters onto their stomachs and subduing them on top of their crumpled banner.
Others appeared to cooperate with law enforcement, standing up and walking away without resistance. Despite the brief disturbance, the parade resumed after about five minutes, with the balloon line leader energizing the crowd by announcing, “Ronald McDonald, everybody!”
Genocide then, genocide now. Palestine protesters stop the @Macys Thanksgiving Parade… again. @NYCMayor always loses. stop the war pic.twitter.com/XtKWrpXUT8
— Reed Dunlea (@ReedDunlea) November 28, 2024
The disruption drew a fierce response from the thousands of spectators lining the streets. Many began chanting “USA! USA! USA!” as police moved in to clear the protesters. According to the information provided in The New York Post report, the crowd’s vocal opposition called attention to their frustration with the protesters’ attempt to hijack a cherished holiday tradition.
The parade, which features enormous balloons, elaborate floats, and performances, has long been a hallmark of Thanksgiving celebrations in New York City. For many attendees, the protesters’ actions felt like an unwelcome intrusion on an event that brings joy to millions.
Massive amounts of Palestine Protestors get arrested for trying to block the NYC Thanksgiving parade
A little reminder to the Palestine lunatics…… Whose streets OUR STREETS!pic.twitter.com/53NVvi3X4v
— The Pleb 🌍 Reporter (@truckdriverpleb) November 28, 2024
The protest came despite a clear warning from Mayor Eric Adams, who had publicly cautioned activists against disrupting the parade again. The New York Post reported that last year, demonstrators glued their hands to the parade route in a similar protest, causing delays and widespread outrage. Speaking on Wednesday night, Adams promised that such behavior would not be tolerated this year.
“I really want to take the moment to tell those grinches that believe they are going to disrupt the parade that it is not going to happen,” the mayor declared. As The New York Post report noted, Adams’ strong stance set the tone for the NYPD’s swift and decisive response to Thursday’s incident.
Pro-Palestine activists disrupt Thanksgiving Parade in NYC.
These people are like pests you just can’t get rid of.pic.twitter.com/0QKxWZaUUN
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) November 28, 2024
Ultimately, the protesters’ efforts to disrupt the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade proved futile. Thanks to the quick actions of law enforcement, the event continued with minimal delay, allowing spectators to enjoy the spectacle they had come to see.
While protests are a cornerstone of democratic expression, the parade’s attendees made it clear that Thanksgiving traditions hold a special place in their hearts. As the balloons floated on and the crowd cheered, the moment served as a reminder that even in the face of disruption, the spirit of unity and celebration can prevail.
