Protesters gathered near the Met Gala in New York to voice opposition to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, resulting in several arrests.
The demonstrations originated at Columbia University’s gates, a focal point for protest activities, and proceeded through Manhattan towards the venue of the prominent fashion event, although police restricted their access.
The Met Gala, an annual fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, draws numerous celebrities, designers, and media. The exact number of arrests during the event remains unspecified. However, AFP journalists reported multiple detentions, and the New York Daily News estimated around a dozen arrests from the hundreds who convened.
An event titled “Citywide Day of Rage for Gaza” was promoted by organizers on X, formerly known as Twitter. The protest seemed separate from recent unrest at Columbia University, which led the institution to request police intervention against student demonstrators.
Amid escalating concerns from young voters and some Democrats about the rising civilian casualties, President Joe Biden has maintained support for Israel. Facing election-year pressures, Biden has endorsed a ceasefire and cautioned against an Israeli invasion of Rafah in Gaza. Yet, he has not halted U.S. arms shipments nor conditioned future aid.
Israel, committed to dismantling Hamas, has conducted an offensive in Gaza, resulting in at least 34,735 casualties, predominantly women and children, as reported by the health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza.
