Thirteen people were arrested in connection with a pro-Palestinian demonstration in downtown Boston on Tuesday night.
Boston Police say the individuals are facing charges that include resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and disturbing the peace. One individual is also charged with assault and battery of a police officer and destruction of property.
The protest that started on Boston Common fell on the two year anniversary of Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel that initiated the war in Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed.
On Tuesday afternoon, multiple pro-Palestinian groups posted flyers about the protest online.
Boston police say several officers were injured during interactions with the protestors, and four were hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.
The arrests and injuries followed protestors blocking a portion of Tremont Street, according to police.
“Officers engaged in crowd control to restore order and effect lawful arrests,” the department said in a statement.
“During the disturbance, officers reported equipment being forcibly removed or damaged, including body-worn cameras, radios, bicycles, and other duty gear. Despite these challenges, officers made numerous arrests of individuals engaged in unlawful assembly, violent resistance, and the obstruction of emergency response efforts.”
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu condemned the incident in a statement.
“We are extremely grateful for the work of the Boston Police in keeping the city safe and in supporting the right to peacefully protest,” said Wu. “Boston will not tolerate violence, and we categorically condemn those who came into our community to attack our police officers. The individuals who engaged in these attacks must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Those arrested are expected to be arraigned Wednesday in Boston Municipal Court.
This is a developing story.
