A progressive House Democrat, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, strongly denounced a violent anti-Israel demonstration that took place in his district earlier this week. The incident occurred at the Bird in the Hand restaurant in Hamilton Heights, where activists carrying pro-Hamas signs and a picture of the terror group's former leader engaged in violent behavior.
Rep. Espaillat emphasized his belief in the right to peaceful protest but condemned the violence, bullying, and intimidation directed at law enforcement officers, residents, restaurant patrons, and innocent bystanders during the demonstration. The protesters caused damage to the restaurant's outdoor dining section, triggered smoke alarms, and terrorized guests.
