Photo courtesy of City of Dallas.
A group of pro-Palestine protesters were arrested on Monday for blocking an entrance near Kelleher Way and Mockingbird Lane at Dallas Love Field Airport shortly before President Joe Biden’s arrival, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Around 6:20 p.m., protesters were seen with Palestinian flags and signs. The protest was led by multiple organizations including the Palestinian Youth Movement, according to the Dallas Morning News. Other organizations included the Dallas Anti-War Committee, Party for Socialism and Liberation, Freedom Road Socialist Organization Dallas, American Muslims for Palestine and Students for Justice in Palestine University of Dallas.
According to Dallas police, the group was given three warnings to leave the roadway, but they refused. Thirteen were arrested and charged with Obstruction of Highway or Other Passageway. No injuries were reported. Dallas Love Field posted on X for drivers to avoid the intersection due to traffic disruptions and shared a video of Air Force One arriving on the tarmac.
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Palestinian Youth Movement stated one of the 13 arrested was a former Palestinian intern of the late congressman Johnson. Because the charges are misdemeanors, the names will not be shared with the public, DPD said in a statement.
The organization announced those who were arrested were brought to Lew Sterrett Justice Center.
Biden was visiting Dallas for the service of former congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson who died on Dec. 31. The wake and funeral were held at Concord Church in Red Bird. This was Biden’s first visit to Dallas, according to Oak Cliff Advocate.
“She and I worked together throughout her 30 years in Congress, and I’ve always been grateful for her friendship and partnership,” a statement released by the White House the day Johnson died said. “Throughout her life, and as the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, she was an icon and mentor to generations of public servants, through whom her legacy of resilience and purpose will endure.”
During Black Friday on Nov. 24, two Pro-Palestinian groups led protests at NorthPark Center.
