Israel supporter hit with flagpole, tambourine at pro-Palestinian protest in NYC

Editor’s note: The above video aired on Oct. 7, 2024.

LOWER MANHATTAN (PIX11) — A man holding an Israeli flag was whacked in the face with a flagpole and tambourine during a pro-Palestinian protest in Union Square on Monday, police said.

The suspects allegedly surrounded and attacked the 54-year-old victim after he showed up at Union Square Park holding an Israeli flag just before 4 p.m., according to the NYPD.

During the altercation, the suspects allegedly tried to snatch the flag from the victim before a man hit him in the head with a flagpole and a woman in red sunglasses assaulted him with a tambourine, authorities said.

The victim was treated at the scene for unknown injuries.

The NYPD released photos of the four suspects sought in the incident.

Monday marked the 1-year anniversary of Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. There were several protests and memorials across New York City on Monday.

Police said seven people were arrested during the events.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org , downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.

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