Pro-Palestinian Protests Leave New York City in Chaos

The New York Public Library's Stephen A. Schwarzman building has suffered at least $75,000 in graffiti damage caused by pro-Palestinian protests, with some carved reliefs potentially needing replacement. The worst damage occurred on Thanksgiving Day when protesters sprayed "Free Palestine" in dark green paint and smeared red handprints on the steps, fountain, and facade. The cleanup costs come as New York's libraries face budget cuts and have already canceled Sunday service. Cleaning the dark paint requires multiple applications of solvent, and certain elements may need to be replaced if too damaged. The library does not currently have a fundraising effort to cover the graffiti cleanup.