BOSTON (WHDH) - On the second anniversary of the attack on Israel, a peaceful scene on Boston Common took a violent turn, leaving some officers hurt after a chaotic clash between police and pro-Palestinian protesters.
Witnesses told 7News the demonstrations started as a peaceful protest then turned into chaos on the streets.
“They tried to block the police cars trying to come down Tremont street and it was wild,” said witness Brody Greland. “After they tried to block the police cars the police got involved and started making arrests and trying to clear the road and it got really chaotic. I think there were some fights some people started throwing punches, it got crazy.”
Police said that at 6:46 p.m. a group of protesters, estimated at between 200 and 300 individuals, blocked Tremont Street near Winter Street.
“Many protesters, wearing facial coverings and gloves, interlocked arms, chanted over amplified bullhorns, and refused to clear the roadway,” police said in a statement. “When officers attempted to move the group to the sidewalk to allow emergency vehicles to pass, protesters surrounded police cruisers, kicked vehicle doors, and resisted dispersal efforts. Several officers were assaulted during this period, including one struck in the face.”
Police said protesters also ignited smoke devices and flares.
“We are extremely grateful for the work of the Boston Police in keeping the city safe and in supporting the right to peacefully protest,” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement. “Boston will not tolerate violence, and we categorically condemn those who came into our community to attack our police officers. The individuals who engaged in these attacks must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Four officers were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
“Our officers were attacked, assaulted and sent to the hospital with injuries,” the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association wrote in a statement. “Completely despicable and totally unacceptable. It’s happening far too often with no repercussions.”
Osama El Khatib, 26, of Watertown, Roder Atwood, 21, of Somerville, Atlanta Carrig-Braun, 20, of Boston, Haley Macintyre, 24, of Dorchester, Madeline Weikel, 27, of Watertown, Jacob Pettigrew, 22, of Malden, Amun Prophet, 25, of Allston, Laith Hintzman, 19, of Boston, Benjamin Andre Choucroun, 20, of Medford, Owen Woodcock, 26, of Boston, Prahlad Iyengar, 25, of Boston, Styx Hatch, 19, of Boston, and Gabrielle Smith, 28, of Cambridge were arrested and charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and disturbing the peace.
Atwood also faces additional charges of assault and battery on a police officer and destruction of property.
All arrested suspects are expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court.
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