President Trump pressured Senator Schumer to rename Penn Station after him.
President Donald Trump reportedly told Senator Chuck Schumer that he would lift the hold on federal funds if Schumer renamed Penn Station and Dulles Airport.
Dozens of people were arrested Monday afternoon after protests erupted at the offices of Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.
The rally, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, was originally established as an anti-war sit-in to demand that Democratic politicians stop selling bombs to Israel, according to the group’s Instagram.
However, according to the Associated Press, police detained nearly 100 people and the scene descended into chaos.
Here’s what we know about Monday’s protests.
New York City protests against Schumer and Gillibrand
Hundreds of people surrounded the office the senators share on Third Avenue, many wearing shirts that read “Funding the People, Not the Bomb.” Some held placards calling out politicians.
“Ahead of the Senate’s vote to block arms to Israel, 300 New Yorkers are risking arrest in a massive anti-war sit-in, demanding that Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand fund the people, not the bombs,” the group’s post said.
“Schumer and Gillibrand, listen to your voters. New Yorkers say: End this terrible war and stop arming Israel now.”
The demonstrators were not allowed into the building and were arrested after causing a traffic stop.
Chelsea Manning, actor Hari Nef and New York City Council member Alexa Aviles were all detained during the demonstrations, according to the Associated Press.
Schumer and Gillibrand’s offices did not immediately respond to requests for comment from USA TODAY.
Thousands of people across the country have protested US arms sales to Israel in the past. New demonstrations have also occurred in response to President Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran.
