The protest did not last long, as the NYPD immediately jumped in and began dragging the protesters out of the street and making arrests.
Approximately 20 people were involved in the disruption, which stopped the Ronald McDonald balloon at W. 55th Street and Sixth Avenue.
Loud boos erupted from the crowd as the celebration was halted.
NYPD officers quickly descended upon the group, who shouted “Free, free Palestine!” as they were tackled to the ground and placed in handcuffs.After about five minutes the crowd began to move again, with the balloon line leader telling the audience, “Ronald McDonald, everybody!”
Last year, anti-Israel protesters doused themselves in fake blood and glued their hands to the road.
New York Mayor Eric Adams warned protesters, who he referred to as “Grinches,” against repeating 2023’s antics in a speech on Thanksgiving Eve.
“I really want to take the moment to tell those grinches that believe they are going to disrupt the parade that it is not going to happen,” Adams said. “Just like how we responded last year, we are going to be on top of those who attempt to interrupt the parade in any way possible.”
