A group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators defaced a World War I memorial in New York City’s Central Park, adding to a growing list of incidents of vandalism and disrespect towards American symbols and tradition.
The demonstrators, numbering around 1,000 people, took to the streets as part of a ‘day of rage’ protest, showing no respect for the Stars & Stripes or the war memorial they targeted. They added Palestinian flags to the 107th Infantry memorial and graffitied the base of the statue with words and symbols of their cause.
The vandalism occurred as police were preoccupied with protecting the Met Gala, an exclusive event attended by some of the most influential names in entertainment, fashion, and politics. In fact, police were forced to block protesters from accessing the gala, resulting in several arrests and clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators.
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📰 WATCH: Police have stepped in to separate the groups amid growing chaos. The situation escalated rapidly as… pic.twitter.com/snSBa5Be1Z
— Shirion Collective (@ShirionOrg) May 7, 2024
While only a few protesters could be seen in video footage, their actions have sparked outrage among onlookers, including those with relatives who have served in previous wars. One commenter expressed their dismay, stating that their great-grandfather died in WWI and wishing they were there to stop the desecration. Others shared similar sentiments, finding the act offensive and disrespectful to those who have served and sacrificed for the country.
They couldn’t get to the Met Gala last night so they stopped at a park and burned the flag from a World War 1 memorial pic.twitter.com/n5msjpUBWR
— OrdieBob (@OrdieBob) May 7, 2024
It is concerning to see such blatant disrespect for America and its symbols, especially in a time when unity and patriotism are needed more than ever. The protesters seemed to have no regard for the consequences of their actions nor the impact it has on the families of veterans and active military members.
Even more alarming is the lack of police presence during this act of vandalism. Our city’s resources were focused on protecting the A-list celebrities at the Met Gala, leaving important landmarks and symbols vulnerable to destruction. This is another example of how the priorities of New York City’s leaders have shifted towards protecting the interests of the rich and famous rather than the safety and security of its citizens.
HAPPENING‼️
REVOLUTION…
Anti-Israel protesters vandalized a World War I memorial in Central Park on May 6 and burned an American flag after a mob of more than 1,000 marchers was blocked by cops from reaching the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the star-studded Met Gala was in… pic.twitter.com/tXYEEBCuNl— SANTINO (@MichaelSCollura) May 7, 2024
This incident also highlights the concerning trend of radical activism on college campuses, as the protesters began at Hunter College and Columbia University before making their way uptown. These universities have become breeding grounds for unrest and disrespect towards America and its values, as seen in the recent occupation of Hamilton Hall and now this act of vandalism on a war memorial.
We must hold those responsible for defacing our city’s landmarks and symbols accountable for their actions. This blatant disregard for the sacrifices and values of our country is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. It is time for our city’s leaders to prioritize the safety and respect for America and its cultural heritage over the interests of the elite and radical activists.
