Anti-Israel protesters clash with cops outside of Biden’s NYC fundraiser

Protests at President Biden’s Manhattan Fundraiser

During President Biden’s big-money Manhattan fundraiser on Friday night, anti-Israel protesters clashed with police and set off smoke bombs, resulting in dozens of arrests, according to sources.

Approximately 32 demonstrators were arrested as they marched from Madison Square Garden towards the Hammerstein Ballroom on West 34th Street in Midtown, police sources reported.

Video footage captured the confrontation between the protesters, many of whom were masked, and the police in riot gear as they met on the sidewalk near the venue.

Police were seen taking several protesters into custody amidst the smoke bombs as others in the group attempted to interfere.

Chaos ensued as an officer yelled, “Clear the block,” and another officer on a megaphone warned the protesters to disperse or face arrest.

The demonstrators chanted, “There is only one solution — Intifada revolution!” as they marched towards the venue.

The protesters, waving flags, briefly entered the lobby of the James A. Farley Building before returning to the street.

The protest was organized by the anti-Israel activist group Within Our Lifetime, who expressed their opposition to “genocidal politicians” in New York City.

Inside the Hammerstein Ballroom, over 640 donors listened to President Biden reiterate his commitment to running for a second term.

President Biden addressed his supporters, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming election and the threat he believes Donald Trump poses to the nation.

The fundraiser tickets ranged from $250 for balcony seats to $500,000 for a table, with celebrities like Billy Porter and Alan Cumming in attendance.

President Biden arrived at the fundraiser around 7:45 p.m. and departed before 9:30 p.m.

The events unfolded the day after President Biden’s first presidential debate with Donald Trump, which was followed by calls for him to reconsider his candidacy due to his age.

President Biden’s visit to New York was part of a two-day fundraising effort, which included a commemoration of the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn riots in Greenwich Village.

On the following day, President Biden was scheduled to attend another fundraiser in East Hampton, hosted by prominent figures like Sarah Jessica Parker and Michael J. Fox.

Tickets for the event ranged from $3,300 to $100,000, offering attendees the opportunity to meet the President and secure preferred seating.

Additional reporting by Dorian Geiger