The Times Square pro-Palestinian demonstration transformed into a nightmare situation when protestors blocked police efforts to respond to a potential bomb threat. Instead of cooperating with the police, these demonstrators refused to step aside and allow them a clear path to respond to the alleged explosive device. This reckless behavior only added to the danger of the already tense situation.
The incident occurred around 4 p.m. in Manhattan when an Uber driver reported a grenade in his vehicle after dropping off a passenger in the area where the pro-Palestinian protest was taking place. At first, the situation seemed dire, with members of the NYPD bomb squad being deployed to the scene. However, the bomb squad later determined that the grenade was a novelty item and not a live explosive. This was a relief, but the protesters’ actions had already made the situation more hazardous for both themselves and the police.
The officers who arrived at the scene were wearing riot gear, which is not an unreasonable precaution to take in a situation involving a possible bomb threat. The police had no way of knowing if the protesters themselves were planning violence or if someone targeted the demonstration with an explosive device. Given the volatile nature of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, both scenarios were feasible. As a result, the officers took the necessary measures to protect themselves and the public.
Grenade was left in a Uber in Times Square today as anti-Israel protestors marched in that direction and impeded cops from reaching the scene quickly.
Thankfully the grenade was inert and no one was injured.
In the video a mob of people swarmed the car as police moved in. pic.twitter.com/d5uifA9me5
— Paul A. Szypula ???????? (@Bubblebathgirl) March 3, 2024
However, instead of cooperating with the police and allowing them to do their job, the protesters mobbed and obstructed them. This behavior is deplorable, and Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry expressed his disgust on social media. He shared a video of the chaos, adding: “Happy Saturday to all! Except the people who thought it was a good idea to block an NYPD ESU vehicle on the way to a bomb threat call. They will be spending their Saturday where they belong – in jail!” This sarcastic statement highlights the protesters’ irresponsible behavior and the consequences they will face for it.
Chief of Patrol John Chell also chimed in, condemning the dangerous situation and critiquing the justification of allowing demonstrators to block public streets. He wrote, “This is dangerous! One day when the ‘call’ is real and people get hurt, then what? I will tell you what…silence and cowardice from all the people who advocate for protesters to be allowed to disrupt the streets. Then the first responders will arrive to do the best they can!” Chell raises a valid concern that the protesters’ actions could have severe consequences in a real emergency situation.
Happy Saturday to all! Except the people who thought it was a good idea to block an NYPD ESU vehicle on the way to a bomb threat call. They will be spending their Saturday where they belong – in jail! pic.twitter.com/C0adj5waUj
— NYPD Deputy Commissioner, Operations Kaz Daughtry (@NYPDDaughtry) March 2, 2024
Eventually, the police were able to break through the crowd and establish a perimeter around the vehicle. This raise questions about the reasoning behind these types of protests in the US. Instead of causing chaos, and potentially putting themselves and others in harm’s way, protesters should find more effective and peaceful ways to advocate for their cause. Allowing them to block public streets only adds disruption and danger to the situation. The incident in Times Square serves as a reminder that such demonstrations can quickly spiral out of control and have dire consequences. It is time for more responsible and productive forms of protest to be embraced.