American flag set on fire during Gaza protest in Brooklyn

A pro-Palestine protester set fire to an American flag as crowds opposing the war in Gaza gathered outside Brooklyn Borough Hall in New York City on Monday, April 15.

Protesters previously demonstrated in front of the New York Stock Exchange in Lower Manhattan, where they were led to chants of “no more occupation” and “Israel is a terrorist state.” Several people held watermelon-shaped balloons – one symbol of solidarity with the Palestinians – with the words “Free Palestine” printed on them. The group met with pro-Israeli counter-protesters, reports he said.

After being blocked by police while trying to march over the Brooklyn Bridge, some protesters boarded a subway train, according to journalist Katie Smith, who captured this footage.

After arriving in Brooklyn, a brief demonstration was held in front of Brooklyn Borough Hall, where a protester set fire to a US flag. Protesters continued marching toward Grand Army Plaza. Police made several forced arrests, the footage shows.

That night, New York Police Patrol Chief John Chell posted a photo showing the police making these arrests and praised the officers for doing a “good job.” New York Police Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry he said the police “did an excellent job arresting those who chose to block our highways and bridges.” Credit: Katie Smith via Storyful