Dozens Detained in NYC Protest Over US Arms Sales to Israel

Demonstrators call for blocking arms sales and ending US military support for Israel

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:58pm

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A dynamic, fragmented painting depicting a crowd of protesters marching with signs, their figures repeated in overlapping geometric patterns of bold colors, conveying the energy and urgency of the demonstration.Protesters in New York City demand an end to US arms sales to Israel and military support for the country amid escalating regional conflicts.Washington Today

Dozens of protesters were detained by police in New York City on Monday during demonstrations calling for the blocking of arms sales to Israel and an end to U.S. military support for its ally. The protesters, including members of the antiwar group Jewish Voice for Peace, chanted slogans like 'stop the bombs,' 'end the killings,' and 'free Palestine' while expressing opposition to the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, Israel's attacks in Lebanon, and Israel's assault on Gaza.

Why it matters

The protests highlight growing public opposition to the U.S. government's continued military support for Israel, especially amid the ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in the region. The crackdown on the demonstrations also raises concerns about the erosion of free speech and the right to protest under the current administration.

The details

The protesters gathered near the offices of U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, chanting slogans and expressing their opposition to the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, Israel's attacks in Lebanon, and Israel's assault on Gaza. The New York City Police Department confirmed there were 'multiple' arrests, though they did not provide an exact number. Among those detained was whistleblower Chelsea Manning, a former U.S. Army soldier and WikiLeaks source.

  • The protests took place on Monday, April 13, 2026.
  • The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, 2026.

The players

Jewish Voice for Peace

An antiwar group that organized the protests in New York City.

Chelsea Manning

A former U.S. Army soldier and WikiLeaks source who was detained during the protests.

Chuck Schumer

U.S. Senate Minority Leader.

Kirsten Gillibrand

U.S. Senator from New York.

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What’s next

The New York City Police Department has not yet announced if it will pursue charges against the detained protesters. The Biden administration is facing growing pressure from progressive lawmakers and advocacy groups to reevaluate the U.S. government's military support for Israel.

The takeaway

The protests in New York City reflect the broader public backlash against the U.S. government's continued military support for Israel, especially in light of the escalating conflicts and humanitarian crises in the region. The crackdown on the demonstrations also raises concerns about the erosion of civil liberties under the current administration.