NEW YORK, NY – On Wednesday, a major New York City freeway within John F. Kennedy International Airport was the scene of a pro-Palestinian protest that resulted in 26 arrests, according to law enforcement officials. Demonstrators were reported to have blocked the Van Wyck Expressway, causing significant traffic disruption and compelling some travelers to abandon their vehicles and proceed on foot with luggage in tow to reach their flights.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey confirmed that they were alerted to the protest activity around 11:30 a.m. The freeway was cleared and reopened approximately 20 minutes later, following the arrests. To aid stranded travelers, the Port Authority dispatched two airport buses to the site.
The protesters were observed holding banners that accused Israel of perpetrating genocide in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing military offensive against Hamas. Some of the signs displayed phrases such as “Free Palestine” and “Divest From Genocide.”
In a parallel incident, a group of pro-Palestinian protesters obstructed traffic outside the entrance to the Los Angeles International Airport. The Los Angeles police responded to the situation, and the protesters attempted to block the roadway with cement blocks and other objects. As law enforcement moved in, some protesters dispersed, while others were detained.
In both cities, some steadfast travelers opted to leave their cars and walk to the airport in an attempt to make their flights. By 10:10 a.m., 15 people had been detained in Los Angeles, according to authorities.