Demonstrators, including Jewish Voice for Peace activists and whistleblower Chelsea Manning, block traffic outside offices of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, calling for end to military support amid regional tensions.
New York City police detained nearly 90 protesters on Monday after demonstrators staged a sit-in and blocked traffic in Midtown Manhattan to demand an immediate halt to US arms sales and military assistance to Israel.
The protest, organised by Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and allied anti-war groups, targeted the Manhattan offices of Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Activists urged the senators to support efforts, including proposals backed by Senator Bernie Sanders, to block the shipment of thousands of US-made bombs and other weapons to Israel.
More than 300 people gathered outside the building on Third Avenue, chanting slogans such as “Fund people, not bombs,” “No war, no ICE, free Palestine,” and “Stop arming Israel.” Protesters wore white T-shirts emblazoned with messages including “No War No ICE” and held banners criticising US military involvement.
When security prevented the group from entering the office building, dozens sat down in the middle of Third Avenue, halting traffic for approximately one hour. After repeated warnings from police, NYPD officers moved in to clear the roadway, detaining around 90 individuals on charges that included disorderly conduct. Some protesters were carried away by officers and loaded onto buses.
Notable Participants in the Protest:
Among those detained was Chelsea Manning, the former US Army intelligence analyst known for leaking classified documents to WikiLeaks. Other reported participants included actor Hari Nef and New York City Council Member Alexa Avilés.
JVP spokesperson Sonya Meyerson-Knox described the action as a necessary escalation to pressure lawmakers. “We are refusing to be silent while our government continues to send weapons that fuel violence and suffering,” she said.
The New York Police Department confirmed “multiple” arrests but did not immediately release an exact breakdown of charges or the total number detained.
US Protests Call to Halt Arms Sales to Israel Amid Ceasefire Tensions:
The demonstration took place amid ongoing regional tensions, including a fragile two-week ceasefire involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Critics of US policy argue that continued arms transfer-reportedly worth hundreds of millions of dollars in bombs and related military equipment-undermine ceasefire efforts and risk prolonging the conflict.
Protesters specifically urged Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to support legislative measures aimed at halting such arms sales and redirecting federal spending toward domestic priorities such as healthcare and housing.
Jewish Voice for Peace, a prominent Jewish-led anti-occupation organization, has organized similar demonstrations across the United States in recent years, framing opposition to Israeli policies as consistent with Jewish values of justice and human rights.
US Protests Over Military Aid to Israel Continue Amid Senate Debate:
Monday’s protest is part of an ongoing campaign by US activists calling for a reassessment of America’s military support for Israel. Similar demonstrations have taken place in other cities, targeting arms manufacturers, congressional offices, and public spaces.
Supporters of Israel argue that US military aid is vital for security in a volatile region, especially amid threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran-backed groups.
New York City has regularly seen large pro-Palestinian and anti-war protests since the escalation of violence in Gaza, reflecting divided public opinion.
With the US Senate expected to consider arms and foreign aid packages, organizers say they will continue peaceful civil disobedience to pressure lawmakers. Authorities have not yet commented on the protest or any legal action against those detained.