Protest

29
Nov 2023
9:00 UTC

USA Tactical: Pro-Palestinian protest slated in front of Rockefeller Center in New York City, NY at 18:00 (local time) on November 29; maintain heightened vigilance

Current Situation

  • A pro-Palestinian protest is slated to be held in front of the Rockefeller Center, in New York City, NY from 18:00 (local time) on November 29. The protest comes amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East.  
  • Moreover, the protest will reportedly coincide with the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Rockefeller Center, celebrated every year.  

 

Assessments & Forecast

  1. Given heightened sentiments over the issue and social media estimates for this protest, the turnout is likely to range from the mid-to-high hundreds, in addition to those attending the tree lighting ceremony.  
  2. Ad-hoc counter-protests by those supporting Israel, witnessing a turnout in the low dozens to low hundreds can also be expected to be held in the vicinity. As such, with the New York Police Department calling for “elevated vigilance”, per November 28 reports, there is a heightened potential for localized clashes between protestors, counter-protestors, and security forces. Additionally, Isolated security incidents manifesting as verbal harassment and splashing of paint or other substances against both pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian activists remain likely.  
  3. Therefore, heavily bolstered security measures can be expected at the Rockefeller Center as well as along 5th Avenue and W 50th Street to monitor proceedings. In the event of escalated clashes or potential disruptions to the event at the Rockefeller Center, police are expected to conduct arrests.  
  4. Significant disruptions to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic as well as public transportation can be expected in the vicinity of Rockefeller Center through the evening hours. Consequently, due to the ceremony, coupled with the protest, several roads in the vicinity are likely to be closed and traffic diverted to support the security cordons.   

Recommendations

Those operating or residing in New York City, NY on November 29 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of Rockefeller Center due to the slated protest.

COUNTRY RISK LEVEL Low
AFFECTED AREA New York City, NY, USA
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Credible

Current Situation

  • A pro-Palestinian protest is slated to be held in front of the Rockefeller Center, in New York City, NY from 18:00 (local time) on November 29. The protest comes amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East.  
  • Moreover, the protest will reportedly coincide with the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Rockefeller Center, celebrated every year.  

 

Assessments & Forecast

  1. Given heightened sentiments over the issue and social media estimates for this protest, the turnout is likely to range from the mid-to-high hundreds, in addition to those attending the tree lighting ceremony.  
  2. Ad-hoc counter-protests by those supporting Israel, witnessing a turnout in the low dozens to low hundreds can also be expected to be held in the vicinity. As such, with the New York Police Department calling for “elevated vigilance”, per November 28 reports, there is a heightened potential for localized clashes between protestors, counter-protestors, and security forces. Additionally, Isolated security incidents manifesting as verbal harassment and splashing of paint or other substances against both pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian activists remain likely.  
  3. Therefore, heavily bolstered security measures can be expected at the Rockefeller Center as well as along 5th Avenue and W 50th Street to monitor proceedings. In the event of escalated clashes or potential disruptions to the event at the Rockefeller Center, police are expected to conduct arrests.  
  4. Significant disruptions to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic as well as public transportation can be expected in the vicinity of Rockefeller Center through the evening hours. Consequently, due to the ceremony, coupled with the protest, several roads in the vicinity are likely to be closed and traffic diverted to support the security cordons.   

Recommendations

Those operating or residing in New York City, NY on November 29 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of Rockefeller Center due to the slated protest.

COUNTRY RISK LEVEL Low
AFFECTED AREA New York City, NY, USA
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL Medium
STRENGTH OF SOURCE Credible