Hundreds of anti-Israel protesters swamped an afterparty celebrating a Vice President Kamala Harris rally in New York City on Wednesday night, tossing smoke bombs, chanting slogans, and clashing with police as the wild melee unfolded.
The disruption began when a large crowd of protesters accompanied by drums and music began waving banners outside the unofficial Democrats’ support event at a restaurant in Harlem, New York.
In video footage released by Sky News demonstrators were seen lining the street before entering the restaurant and challenging rallygoers.
Mayor Eric Adams, Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and other Democratic supporters were present at the besieged event.
The angry mob of around 50 protesters swamped the Bird in Hand on Broadway and West 146th Street as stunned patrons looked on, according to footage from the scene.
WATCH: Anti-Israel protesters swamp Kamala Harris Afterparty in NYC
Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz, did not appear.
“You set Palestine on fire,” one of the protesters was heard yelling while another cried “shame.”
The video footage captured the vociferous anti-Israel protests creating a ruckus and setting off smoke bombs.
“How dare you,” another yelled.
Police were seen fighting off the protesters and making arrests as they sought to disperse the activists, the New York Post reports.
People, holding banners and Palestinian flags, gather to protest a campaign event for Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in New York, United States on August 14, 2024. (Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The anti-Israel crowd builds to protest at a campaign event for Democratic presidential candidate U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in New York, United States on August 14, 2024. (Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
This is not the first time Harris has been challenged by pro-Palestinian supporters.
One week ago she could be heard coldly chiding pro-Palestinian activists at her rally in Michigan as the movement that once threatened President Joe Biden’s reelection bid now haunts Harris’s campaign.
Protesters could be heard chanting, “Kamala, Kamala, you can’t hide. We won’t vote for genocide” while Harris was levying attacks on former President Donald Trump:
During the first disruption in her speech, Harris said, “I am here because we believe in democracy; everyone’s voice matters, but I am speaking now”:
C-SPAN
But after protesters would not let up, she snapped at them and shot them a cold look.
“You know what, if you want Donald Trump to win, then say that. Otherwise, I’m speaking!” she exclaimed.
She then stared down the protesters for at least 15 seconds as her supporters cheered the silencing of the uncommitted protesters.