Pro-Palestine protesters have assembled outside a New York Cory fundraiser headlines by President Biden, as well as ex-presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. The latest interruption once again highlights schisms within the Democratic Party, as progressive elements have repeatedly held protests targeting establishment Democrats over their support of Israel and the war in Gaza.
Hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters gathered outside Radio City Music Hall Thursday night ahead of President Biden’s star-studded fundraiser.
Protesters could be heard chanting “free Palestine” as a large group of NYPD officers, some of whom were equipped with riot gear, guarded the iconic venue. The president is set to be joined by ex-presidents Obama and Clinton for a discussion moderated by late-night host Stephen Colbert.
Thursday’s fundraiser is expected to raise $25 million for the president’s re-election campaign, a record haul for a single event.
Outside the venue, protesters waved Palestinian flags while others held signs labeling Biden as a “war criminal” and enabler of genocide. Other signs read, “end all aid to Israel now,” according to a report from the New York Post.
President Biden and other elected Democrats have been repeatedly interrupted by pro-Palestine demonstrators, who have for weeks demanded a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Earlier this month, the president was late to his State of The Union address after protesters blocked the road leading up to the Capitol building. Protesters have previously gathered outside the White House on numerous occasions, at times breaching exterior fencing and making their way onto White House grounds.
Pro-Palestine protesters have also entered the House Cannon Building, where dozens of lawmakers have offices, as well as the DNC headquarters.
President Biden himself has been followed by pro-Palestine demonstrators no matter where he goes, as protests have been held at the White House, outside fundraisers in numerous cities, and his Wilmington, Delaware home.
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