During a visit to Columbia University, US Speaker of the House faced protests from pro-Palestinian groups. Over 100 students have been arrested and suspended after reports of antisemitic incidents. The Speaker’s press conference was repeatedly interrupted by protesters, who booed and demanded an end to Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
Amidst final exams, over a dozen UC Berkeley students have chosen to pitch tents outside Sproul Hall, creating a Free Palestine encampment in solidarity with demonstrators across the nation. The group, calling itself “UC Berkeley Divest,” is demanding the university end its silence on the conflict in Gaza, divest from companies involved in the violence, and provide better protection for students of Middle Eastern descent. While the encampment remains peaceful, UC Berkeley has stated it will intervene if the protest disrupts university operations. The Jewish Community Relations Council has acknowledged the protestors’ right to free speech and assembly but condemned their “abhorrent” rhetoric.
Actor Alec Baldwin was confronted in a New York City coffee shop by a known social media provocateur, resulting in an intense encounter that was captured on video. The woman, known as Crackhead Barney, persistently asked Baldwin to declare ‘Free Palestine’ and accused him of being a ‘criminal.’ Despite Baldwin’s attempts to ignore her, she continued to press him, causing him to eventually take her phone away. The incident has sparked discussion online, with many people expressing sympathy for Baldwin and criticizing Barney’s behavior. Baldwin faces an upcoming trial for the fatal shooting on the ‘Rust’ movie set.
Alec Baldwin was involved in a physical altercation with an anti-Israel activist identified as “Crackhead Barney” at a New York City coffee shop, after she confronted him and repeatedly demanded he say “Free Palestine.” Footage of the incident, posted online by the activist, initially showed Baldwin swiping at her phone. However, new photos show him snatching the phone from her and using it to drive her out of the establishment. The scuffle continued outside, with Baldwin holding the phone out of her reach before she eventually regained possession of it. Baldwin then exited the cafe visibly enraged. Crackhead Barney is known for her confrontational public performances and ambush-style interviews, and has a significant following on social media.
Alec Baldwin was involved in a physical altercation with an anti-Israel protester at a New York City coffee shop. The protester, known as Crackhead Barney, repeatedly urged Baldwin to say ‘Free Palestine’ and accused him of killing ‘that lady’ in reference to the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of ‘Rust.’ Baldwin denies responsibility for Hutchins’ death. Baldwin initially asked a staff member to call the police, but when the protester continued to harass him, he slapped her phone out of her hand. Photos show Baldwin in an active struggle with the woman before she left the coffee shop. Baldwin’s representative has not commented on the incident.
British speculative fiction writer China Miéville has rescinded his acceptance of a prestigious DAAD residency in Germany, protesting the institution’s role in repressing solidarity with Palestinians and engaging in anti-Palestinian racism. Miéville criticized the German political and cultural landscape, singling out the rector of the University of Cologne for his involvement in withdrawing a professorship from Nancy Fraser for her support of Palestine. Despite his love for Berlin, Miéville expressed his inability to accept the DAAD invitation due to a lack of trust in the institution’s stance against repression and anti-Palestinian racism.
Actor Alec Baldwin is facing a potential trial for the fatal shooting on the ‘Rust’ movie set. Amidst this, he recently encountered a self-described ‘clown’ named Crackhead Barney who confronted him in a New York City coffee shop, demanding that he say ‘Free Palestine.’ Baldwin, initially ignoring her, eventually slapped her phone away. Many online expressed sympathy for Baldwin in this situation, even those who previously disliked him. Barney, known for her attention-grabbing antics, has been reluctant to reveal her true identity but describes herself as a ‘clown’ and not an activist.
Three teenagers have been spared jail time after pleading guilty to vandalizing the Rochdale Cenotaph, a war memorial, by spray-painting the words ‘Free Palestine’ and draping a Palestinian flag over the structure. The incident occurred in November 2022. Despite initially denying the racially aggravated nature of their actions, the teens later changed their pleas and were sentenced to six-month referral orders, along with compensation and court costs. The Crown Prosecution Service discontinued the trial due to evidential reasons.
Actor Alec Baldwin has faced another unfortunate incident after a person attempted to film him without his consent and repeatedly demanded that he say ‘Free Palestine.’ Baldwin’s response was to confiscate the individual’s phone and ‘hit’ it, apparently to stop the recording. The actor has remained silent about the matter, which has gained significant international attention.
In support of Palestinian protesters facing arrests at other universities, UC Berkeley students have erected a ‘Free Palestine’ encampment on Sproul Hall steps. They demand an end to the ‘Palestinian genocide in Gaza,’ university divestment from businesses involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict, and improved protection for Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students.
