New York police arrested more than two dozen people after pro-Palestinian protesters picketed New York’s Brooklyn Museum, charging some with offenses including assault, officers said on Saturday, with the gallery reporting damage to artwork.
Six of the 29 individuals were arrested and charged with offenses including assault and criminal trespassing, while 16 people were released with orders to appear in court and another seven were issued summonses and released, a New York City Police Department spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
Hundreds of demonstrators had descended on the art museum on Friday, chanting pro-Palestinian slogans, and carrying banners and placards.
The museum said it closed an hour early because of the disruption, including skirmishes between police and protesters that took place inside and outside the building.
While many remained outside, some entered the museum, with a giant black and white banner reading “Free Palestine, divest from genocide” unfurled above the museum facade’s six distinctive columns.
“There was damage to existing and newly installed artwork on our plaza,” a museum spokesperson said in an email.
“Protesters entered the building, and our public safety staff were physically and verbally harassed.—INP
