Radicals bring life in America's largest city to screeching halt and vandalize 9/11 Memorial
Brooklyn Bridge Protestors Block Traffic; 9/11 Memorial Vandalism Sparks Arrest
New York, NY – A group of anti‑ICE demonstrators shut down the Brooklyn Bridge on Wednesday, causing an hour of gridlock for commuters and prompting a swift police response. Earlier in the week, a 31‑year‑old man was arrested after spray‑painting a message on the 9/11 Memorial, leading to a quick restoration of the site by security staff.
Brooklyn Bridge shutdown
The protest began at about 12:30 p.m. when several men and women positioned themselves in front of the bridge’s entrances. Drivers were seen pleading with the protestors for access. One commuter, visibly frustrated, told reporters, “I just want to get to work!” The demonstrators shouted slogans, including “NYPD, K‑K‑K, I‑C‑E, THEY’RE ALL THE SAME!” and chanted “Free Oscar Bergal!” in reference to a recent ICE arrest in Marble Hill that resulted in a shooting.
Police arrived within an hour, and by 1:30 p.m., authorities had detained 14 participants and cleared the area. No injuries were reported. The New York Police Department confirmed that the protestors were arrested on charges related to blocking public property and disorderly conduct. City officials have yet to comment on the incident.
Vandalism at the 9/11 Memorial
Earlier Monday, a separate incident took place at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. A man named Johnathan Tijerina, 31, was arrested after spray‑painting the words “just stop killing kids” over several engraved names on the memorial’s reflecting pools. Tijerina filmed the act on his own video, which was later shared by the advocacy group “Just Stop Killing Kids.”
A spokesperson for the memorial stated, “The 9/11 Memorial is a sacred place of reflection at the heart of a rebuilt World Trade Center that honors the 2,983 victims killed in the September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993 terrorist attacks. This brief incident was swiftly addressed by security staff and law enforcement, and the impacted area was immediately restored to its commemorative state.”
Tijerina’s arrest follows a prior incident on October 26, when he was detained for allegedly spray‑painting red paint on the Freedom Tower. Law enforcement officials have not released the exact charges but indicated they include vandalism and related offenses.
Context and reaction
Both events have drawn attention from city leaders who have, for now, remained silent. The anti‑ICE protestors’ demands included calls for the release of an illegal immigrant shot by ICE agents, citing a recent federal judge’s decision to block deportation. The protestors also referenced an ICE shooting in Marble Hill earlier in the month.
The 9/11 Memorial’s spokesperson emphasized the swift restoration of the site, noting that no harm was done to the memorial’s structure or to visitors. Meanwhile, the police’s handling of the bridge protest, with 14 arrests and no injuries, was cited as an example of effective crowd control.
Looking ahead
The incidents highlight ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and gun policy debates in the city. While the mayor’s office has yet to issue a statement, city officials are monitoring the situation closely. The police department has reiterated that it will enforce the law against those who disrupt public safety, and the memorial has pledged to maintain the integrity of its sacred spaces.
For now, commuters can expect the Brooklyn Bridge to resume normal traffic flow, and the 9/11 Memorial to remain a place of remembrance and reflection.