Anti-Israel protests nationwide both 'obscene and absurd': Shahar Azani
Former Israeli diplomat Shahar Azani reacts to anti-Israel protests breaking out in cities nationwide on 'The Story.'
As hundreds of anti-Israel agitators stopped traffic in California along the Golden Gate Bridge and in Oakland, several other large protests have surfaced across the country.
"The worst tactics, the worst cause, the worst people," Guy Benson wrote in response on X.
In New York City, nearly 300 protesters gathered outside the New York Stock Exchange on Monday morning.
Protesters were heard chanting "free, free Palestine" - "Palestine will never die" - "from Wall Street to Palestine… intifada" - "Israel bombs. USA pays. How many kids did you kill today?"
Many of the protesters were also carrying watermelon balloons, which are a symbol of Palestinian solidarity.
ANTI-ISRAEL AGITATORS BLOCK GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE TRAFFIC
Anti-Israel agitators confront a small group of Israeli demonstrators during dueling events outside the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) ?on April 15, 2024 in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
"I encourage people who get stuck behind the pro-Hamas mobs blocking traffic: take matters into your own hands to get them out of the way. It's time to put an end to this nonsense," Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., wrote on X in response to ongoing protests.
It is unclear where the protesters are traveling to, but Fox 5 NYC has reported that protesters are now flooding the Brooklyn Bridge. Burning flares are now being used by police on the Brooklyn Bridge as officers work to block the rest of the protesters from walking onto the bridge.
Police have started to arrest several protesters, but officers tell Fox News it's still too early to report what the arrests were for or how many arrests there have been.
In Chicago, protesters blocked traffic to O'Hare Airport, causing delays that lasted for several hours after the protest was broken up by police.
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Chicago Police told Fox News that 40 people in total were arrested and that charges are pending.
"We need new laws that if you block American roads to protest you go to jail for at least six months with no bail or early release. That would end all of this in a hurry. (And look at these losers still wearing masks outdoors too. They are all mentally ill," Clay Travis wrote on X.
Anti-Israel agitators gathered outside of Philadelphia's City Hall on Monday morning, drawing a noticeable police presence. However, no arrests were reported.
Protesters also flooded downtown Miami and downtown Tampa, calling for a cease-fire in the ongoing war in Gaza.
"In Florida, we drag these people out of the road and arrest them," Bryan Griffin, Communications Director for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis commented on a video of anti-Israel agitators being restrained by officers.
Anti-Israel agitators marched through the U.S. Capitol complex Tuesday, April 9, 2024. (Fox News)
"In Florida, anyone who blocks traffic will be immediately arrested. This includes any act that obstructs the normal flow of traffic, such as standing, approaching, or endangering the safe movement of vehicles or pedestrians," Florida Highway Patrol wrote in response to the nation-wide demonstrations.
"Take notes NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, and D.C. Letting protestors obstruct your roadways is a choice," the Heritage Foundation wrote, calling out the response efforts of the protests in other Democrat-led cities.
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In Texas, a group of protesters demonstrated outside the Valero headquarters in San Antonio on Monday morning to express their opposition to Israeli military action in Gaza.
Late Monday afternoon, anti-Israel agitators blocked traffic Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, closing down traffic along the expressway.
"A demonstration has closed the airport expressway leading to SEA Airport. Travelers coming to the airport are urged to use alternate routes or take Light Rail and public transit," the airport wrote on X.
It was unclear as of Monday evening how long the demonstration would last or when traffic would get moving again.
A demonstration has closed the airport expressway leading to SEA Airport.? (FOX 13 Seattle)
The LAPD also reported that a group of anti-Israel agitators had taken to the downtown area.
"The LAPD is aware of a group of pedestrian demonstrators in the Downtown Los Angeles area. Please avoid the area and expect traffic delays," LAPD wrote on X.
About an hour later, police said the demonstrators had dispersed and the flow of traffic had been restored.
Traffic on both lanes of California's Golden Gate Bridge was shut down Monday, the California Highway Patrol told Fox News Digital, as images emerged from the scene showing anti-Israel agitators holding banners with the messages "Stop the world for Gaza" and "End the siege on Gaza now!"
"While they do have the right to protest, the manner in which they are doing it is not only illegal but incredibly dangerous," CHP PIO Andrew Barclay told Fox News.
"How long before Kamala Harris starts raising $$ to free the Golden Gate Bridge protesters?" Michele Tafoya commented on X.
CHP told Fox News Digital that 26 people were arrested for involvement in the Golden Gate Bridge demonstration.
On Sunday, Sky News Australia reported that a global anti-Israel protest had been planned for Monday, but in an effort to cause maximum disruption, the activists refused to disclose protest locations.
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ProtectPalestine.org also called on protesters to take action on Monday.
"GLOBAL STRIKE TOMORROW. TAKE ACTION TO DEMAND A CEASEFIRE NOW. Whether it’s autonomous or one of the organized protests, make our voices heard. NO MORE WEAPONS FOR ISRAEL. EMERGENCY AID FOR GAZA NOW. PERMANENT CEASEFIRE NOW," the organization posted on social media.
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