Pro-Palestinian Protesters Clash with Security at American Museum of Natural History

Pro-Palestinian protestors held a rally outside the American Museum of Natural History. The museum was surrounded by nearly 200 demonstrators who chanted “Free Palestine” and antisemitic slogans. The protest came after they were prevented from entering the museum for the second weekend in a row. Demonstrators were expected to enter the museum for an “anti-colonial tour” two hours after the rally began. According to an Instagram post by the group Within Our Lifetime, protesters were encouraged to come in small groups adorned with Palestinian flags and banners. This demonstration was organized by Within Our Lifetime, who has been involved in recent weeks in rallies that have led to vandalism of the New York Public Library and other buildings. The museum prevented the group from entering after closing early last weekend as a way to keep protesters out and protect their property. The museum was barricaded by police, and demonstrators were not allowed inside. Demonstrators attempted to enter through a second entrance but were also blocked. Frustrated at their inability to enter, protesters released a smoke bomb with the colors of the Palestinian flag and screamed slogans such as “Palestine will be free,” and “From Gaza to Jenin, Revolution until Victory”. The demonstrators also claimed that the museum is assisting in the ongoing genocide of Gaza. After being turned away from the museum, the group headed downtown, with some stopping at a Starbucks, where they entered and disturbed customers, who were ultimately removed from the store by management.