Grand Central's Main Concourse reopens after closing due to potential protest. Arrests made after protesters march through NYC streets
NEW YORK – Grand Central Terminal's Main Concourse has reopened to the public. It was temporarily closed Thursday afternoon in response to reports of planned protests.
CBS New York's Naveen Dhaliwal reports MTA Police got word that a pro-Palestinian protest was scheduled to take place by the clock in the middle of the Main Concourse at 5:30 p.m.
There was a heavy police presence from multiple agencies, including New York State Police and MTA Police, and police surrounded the concourse with barricades.
Riders were directed to use alternate entrances. Train service did not appear to be disrupted.
The concourse has since reopened.
Protesters gather outside Grand Central
Because of the barricades, protesters instead gathered outside Grand Central Terminal. There was also an additional police presence outside the building.
From Chopper 2, a group of what appeared to be a couple hundred people could be seen in Pershing Square on the south side of East 42nd Street. Some were carrying signs or Palestinian flags, and individuals appeared to be giving speeches.
At one point Thursday afternoon, a smaller group of pro-Israeli protesters could be seen waving flags across the street.
After the rally, the pro-Palestinian protesters started marching through the streets and ended up at Washington Square Park. The group gathered near the Washington Arch, and individuals could be seen vandalizing the monument with graffiti.
Police said they made multiple protest-related arrests throughout Manhattan Thursday. The exact number of people arrested has not yet been determined.