Firefighter Confronts Protester Near 9/11 Memorial

A confrontation unfolded near Ground Zero in New York City recently. A firefighter criticized a pro-Palestinian protester dressed as Elmo with a Palestinian flag. The incident occurred as the city held its 9/11 memorial ceremony.

The firefighter’s comments, captured by a video from Turning Point USA (TPUSA), labeled the protester as ‘anti-American.’ He shouted, ‘Go back to Palestine,’ expressing his discontent. It remains unclear if the firefighter was currently serving or retired.

The firefighter further called out figures like former President Barack Obama, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, suggesting they leave with the protester.

Afterward, a separate voice in the video remarked, ‘The Jews are committing a genocide.’ The origin of the comment was uncertain.

The incident highlights the tensions surrounding the 9/11 memorial. TPUSA noted that frustration was evident among Americans attending the ceremony just blocks away.

Amid the protest, flags representing Hamas and Hezbollah were seen, following Mamdani’s condemnation of a terror plot against Jews. Fox News Digital contacted the FDNY and TPUSA for comments. The FDNY clarified that the individual involved was not affiliated with their department.

The event took place on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other officials attended the memorial. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump delivered a speech at the Pentagon ceremony.

Brie Stimson, a writer for Fox News Digital, provided coverage from Los Angeles.