200 Arrested in NYC Protest Demanding US Stop Arming Israel

200 Protesters Arrested in NYC Demanding End to US Arms Sales to Israel

Over 200 protesters were arrested in Lower Manhattan on Monday after demanding the United States stop supplying weapons to Israel and profiting from its actions in Gaza. The protest, organized by "Jewish Voice for Peace", took place outside the New York Stock Exchange and drew a crowd of over 300 people.

"The U.S. government is sending bombs to Israel that it is using to massacre Palestinians in Gaza and we are calling for that to stop now," said Beth Miller, political director of "Jewish Voice for Peace"

The demonstration coincided with the one-year anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on Israel.

Protesters blocked Broad Street, many sitting on the pavement within the stock exchange's secure perimeter. Some chained themselves to the gates, while others insisted on being carried away by members of the NYPD's Strategic Response Group.

"We think the more we speak out, the more people will hear and join us," said anti-war activist Rosalind Petchesky. "We hope it will grow more and more. We've been doing this for over a year as long as the genocide has been going on." ** Police arrested all the protesters peacefully. Most were charged with trespassing, while others were accused of obstructing governmental administration due to their chaining themselves or refusal to stand.