- Police arrested 26 pro-Palestinian protesters on Wednesday after blocking access to New York City's John F. Kennedy Airport
- Video shows the activists joined forces to create a line blocking traffic and chanting 'Free Palestine'
- In Los Angeles, video shows protesters gathering at the LAX sign at the airport
New video shows police arresting pro-Palestinian protesters who blocked access to New York City's John F. Kennedy Airport on one of the busiest travel days of the year.
Travelers were forced to get out of their cars and walk to the airport with their luggage after activists demanding a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas blocked the road to one of the country's largest and busiest airports on Wednesday .
Port Authority police were notified of the protest activity on the Van Wyck Expressway at JFK Airport around 11:30 a.m.
Police said 26 arrests were made for disorderly conduct and obstructing vehicular traffic. The roadway was reopened at 11:50 am.
“During the disruption, the Port Authority dispatched two airport buses, which provided rides to travelers involved in the backup so they could reach the airport safely,” Port Authority media relations said.
Police arrested 26 pro-Palestinian protesters blocking access to New York City's John F. Kennedy Airport on one of the busiest travel days of the year
Port Authority police said they were called to the scene on the Van Wyck Expressway at JFK Airport around 11:30 a.m. and were able to reopen the road at 11:50 a.m.
Travelers were forced to get out of their cars and walk to the airport with their luggage
Video shows protesters joining hands to create a line blocking traffic, holding signs calling for a free Palestine and chanting, “From the sea to the river, Palestine will live forever.” '
Port Authority police arrest the protesters, load them onto an airport bus and take them into custody.
In Los Angeles, video shows protesters meet at the LAX sign at the airport.
The Los Angeles Police Department said, “The LAPD is aware of an ongoing protest in the LAX area. Traffic in the area is currently disrupted. Avoid the area and continue to stay tuned for updates.”
FOX 11 reported that authorities declared an unlawful assembly as pro-Palestinian protesters blocked traffic outside Los Angeles International Airport.
“The crew on scene said the group of protesters were carrying signs with messages such as 'A ceasefire is not enough' and 'Liberate Palestine,'” FOX 11 said.
It turned into a chaotic scene when police arrived and protesters reportedly ran in different directions, while some were taken into custody.
Video showed heavy traffic along Century Boulevard and travelers were encouraged to use Sepulveda Blvd. or another route. Century Boulevard has since reopened, but traffic reportedly remains heavy.
About 39 million passengers are expected to fly to destinations over the next two weeks, with airports preparing to receive up to 2.5 million passengers per day.
The TSA expects a six percent increase in passenger numbers over last year, with the busiest days expected to be December 21, 29 and January 1.