The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade came to an abrupt halt Thursday morning when anti-Israel protesters disrupted the festivities, shouting “Free, free Palestine!” The protest, which stopped the iconic Ronald McDonald balloon at W. 55th Street and Sixth Avenue, was met with swift and decisive action from the NYPD.
🚨BREAKING
Macy’s Parade Protest!
Anti-genocide activists brought the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to a grinding halt after blockading the McDonald’s float for a second year in a row! pic.twitter.com/7NNGzQppbS— John Cremeans USA (@JohnCremeansUSA) November 28, 2024
Approximately 20 protesters attempted to block the parade route, drawing loud boos from the crowd. Their demonstration was short-lived as NYPD officers quickly intervened, tackling the activists to the ground and placing them in handcuffs. Within minutes, the parade resumed, with the balloon line leader quipping, “Ronald McDonald, everybody!” to the crowd’s delight.
Video below:
Mass arrests at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade after Palestine protesters block road.pic.twitter.com/be9ltoQNxf
— Defiant L’s (@DefiantLs) November 28, 2024
New York Mayor Eric Adams had issued a stern warning to protesters during a Thanksgiving Eve speech, dubbing them “Grinches” and vowing to prevent any disruptions.
“Just like how we responded last year, we are going to be on top of those who attempt to interrupt the parade in any way possible,” Adams declared.
Last year’s parade saw protesters covering themselves in fake blood and gluing their hands to the road, an incident that sparked outrage among New Yorkers. This year, however, the NYPD, emboldened by Trump’s return to power and a renewed sense of law and order, wasted no time in shutting down the disruption.
The scene highlighted the city’s no-nonsense stance under a Trump-aligned atmosphere, with officers visibly determined to ensure the event continued without further interruption. As the parade marched on, New Yorkers cheered, celebrating not just the floats but a clear message of restoring order.
Trump was endorsed from the national organization of rank-and-file police officers back in September!