Protesters in Harlem on Wednesday (Photo credit: Twitter)
Photo: Twitter
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators disrupted a Democratic Afterparty in Harlem, Manhattan on Wednesday. New York Democrats held the event for the Harris-Walz ticket. It came a week before the Democratic National Convention (DNC) next week, where electors will formally declare their support for Vice President Kamala Harris. The state’s Democratic leaders hosted a pep rally-style kickoff party for the Harris-Walz ticket.
While neither Harris nor Walz were present at the event in Harlem on Wednesday, Mayor Eric Adams, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and others were in attendance. Adams and Hochul were among those who spoke to the crowd, raising the possibility of the United States’ first black female president.
Other prominent Democrats at the event included City Council members Pierina Sanchez, Shaun Abreu, Keith Powers, Julie Menin, Gale Brewer and Diana Ayala. Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and Assemblymen Yudelka Tapia and David Weprin were also on hand.
Protesters set off smoke bombs and caused chaos in the restaurant where the party was taking place. The New York Police Department made several arrests. Videos are circulating on social media showing protesters clashing with police outside the restaurant. Authorities are reportedly working to clear the area. Details about the party attendees are not yet available.
Even before the event, a large group gathered behind barricades and chanted against President Joe Biden’s support of Israel in the war against Hamas.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump held a rally in Asheville, North Carolina, on Wednesday. The 78-year-old spoke about his economic agenda and criticized the Biden-Harris administration for rising inflation.
