Apr 29, 2024 - News

Pro-Palestine demonstrations ramp up in New Orleans

In two side-by-side photos, red spray paint is seen on the Presbytere building. It says "Free Gaza" and "The Pope called a cease-fire." — The Presbytére was vandalized last week with spray paint calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. Photos: Courtesy of the lieutenant governor's office

Twelve people were arrested Sunday during a pro-Palestine demonstration in Jackson Square, New Orleans police said.

The big picture: Protesters set up tents inside the fenced area and refused to leave after the park's 7pm closure, according to WWL.

As officers removed people, authorities say demonstrators struck them with various items.
Five officers were injured, NOPD said in a statement Monday. They were treated at a hospital and released.

Driving the news: The arrested protesters face a variety of charges, NOPD says, including battery on a police office, criminal trespass and interfering with a law enforcement investigation.

Three will face charges of hate crime on law enforcement.
The arrested people are men and women raging in age from 24-37.

State of play: Protests have ramped up locally and nationally related to the Israel-Hamas war.

Last week, the Presbytére in Jackson Square was vandalized with graffiti messages related to the Israel-Hamas war.
Meanwhile, Tulane and Loyola students held a protest Friday that briefly shut down St. Charles Avenue.

What she's saying: "It is never okay for any demonstrators to negatively attack our police officers when they are working to protect and serve our city," Mayor LaToya Cantrell said in a statement Monday.

She added that "many peaceful protests" take place in the city.

Editor's note: This story was updated at 5:20pm Monday with additional information from NOPD and Mayor LaToya Cantrell, including increased numbers for arrests and injuries.

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Pro-Palestine demonstrations ramp up in New Orleans

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