Susan Sarandon, Cynthia Nixon Among Dozens Arrested at UN Protest
Protesters calling for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were detained by NYPD near the United Nations.
Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon and actress Cynthia Nixon were among dozens arrested near the United Nations on Thursday. The arrests occurred during a protest where demonstrators called for the apprehension of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The protest, which began around noon, saw socialist groups and Jewish Voice For Peace block traffic near the UN headquarters. Demonstrators were protesting Netanyahu's actions in Gaza and the ongoing conflict.
Those taken into custody included Darializa Avila-Chevalier, a candidate for the House of Representatives supported by Zohran Mamdani. Avila-Chevalier, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, chanted "Free Palestine" as she was placed on an NYPD bus.
Actress Hannah Einbinder of HBO's "Hacks" was also arrested, having previously voiced support for Palestine during an Emmy Awards speech.
The demonstrators chanted slogans such as "Netanyahu, you can’t hide! We charge you with genocide!" as police began placing zip-ties on protesters. The protest also voiced opposition to U.S. arms deals with Israel, with signs reading "FUND PEOPLE NOT BOMBS."
Progressive City Council members Tiffany Caban, Chi Ossé, Sandy Nurse, and Shahana Hanif were also present, alongside NYC-DSA boss Gustavo Gordillo and New York State Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher. The protesters called for an end to the fighting in Gaza, referencing a UN commission's statement on alleged genocide.
Despite the demonstrations and arrests, Netanyahu arrived at the UN on schedule to address the UN General Assembly. The U.S. does not recognize the International Criminal Court's authority, which has reportedly issued a warrant for Netanyahu's arrest, accusing him of crimes against humanity in Gaza.