NYC Trump Tower Protest: 98 Arrested

Nearly 100 protesters were arrested at Trump Tower in Manhattan during a sit-in demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist detained by federal immigration agents. The demonstration, livestreamed by Jewish Voice for Peace, saw hundreds of demonstrators filling the lobby, holding signs like "Free Mahmoud free Palestine" and chanting for his release.

<img src="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-03/250313-Mahmoud-Khalil-sit-in-Trump-Tower-2-aa-1236-965d1b.jpg" alt="Demonstrators protesting inside Trump Tower">

Protesters, wearing red shirts with slogans like "Stop arming Israel" and "Not in our name," entered the building in two groups. They hung banners along the famous golden escalator before police intervened and began arrests.

<img src="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-03/250313-Mahmoud-Khalil-sit-in-Trump-Tower-1-aa-1236-7f0112.jpg" alt="Demonstrators protesting inside Trump Tower">

Arrests and Reactions:

• 98 people were arrested on charges of trespassing, obstructing government administration, and resisting arrest.
• Some onlookers cheered the protesters, while others were upset by the disruption.
• Sonya Meyerson-Knox, a spokesperson for the group, drew parallels to historical authoritarian regimes, emphasizing the importance of protest.
• A counter-protestor called the actions "anti-American."

Mahmoud Khalil's Case:

Khalil, a 30-year-old Columbia University graduate with a green card, was arrested on Saturday. His attorney said his student visa was revoked. His wife, who is eight months pregnant, described the experience as "traumatizing."

Khalil is being held in Louisiana, but a federal judge temporarily blocked his deportation pending legal challenges. The Department of Homeland Security claims Khalil's actions were aligned with Hamas. No evidence has yet been presented.

Legal Action:

The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) filed a lawsuit against Columbia University over its willingness to disclose Khalil's private student records. CAIR-NY stated the lawsuit aims to protect students' constitutional rights from political intimidation and government overreach.