Man appears to brandish hatchet at pro-Palestinian protesters in Cambridge

A man confronted pro-Palestinian protesters in Harvard Square on Sunday, brandishing a hatchet and making threats to “kill” them, as shown in video footage shared by the protest organizers. During the incident, he drove his car into the protest march, which the Palestinian Youth Movement’s Boston chapter condemned as reckless behavior. Cambridge police acknowledged the situation and are conducting an ongoing investigation, promising to release more information soon. The protest, titled “Rise Up for Gaza,” aimed to raise awareness against what organizers described as genocide and police brutality. Lea Kayali, an organizer, emphasized the group's commitment to a liberated Palestine, framing their actions as part of a global movement.

The protest follows previous incidents involving police, including arrests and the use of pepper spray against demonstrators. The organizers criticized police for their perceived inaction during the confrontation, suggesting a bias against anti-Zionist protests. This incident highlights escalating tensions surrounding pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the area.