A New York City firefighter confronted a pro-Palestinian protester dressed as Elmo, carrying a Palestinian flag. This incident occurred near the 9/11 memorial service at Ground Zero. A video shared by Turning Point USA (TPUSA) captured the confrontation.
In the video, the firefighter is heard shouting at the protester, labeling them “anti-American” and telling them to “go back to Palestine.” The firefighter’s status, whether current or retired, remains unconfirmed. He also expressed disdain for former President Barack Obama, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Gov. Kathy Hochul, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, suggesting they accompany the protester.
“Frustration from Americans attending the 9/11 memorial service a few blocks away is spilling over,” TPUSA noted in an X post.
Following the firefighter’s departure, someone in the video is heard remarking, “The Jews are committing a genocide.” The identity of the speaker is unclear, as is their association with the protesters.
Fox News Digital contacted the FDNY and TPUSA for clarification. The FDNY responded, stating, “We are aware of the video circulating of someone wearing a uniform having a verbal altercation today. This person appears to be from another fire department and is not and has never been a member of the FDNY.”
The incident took place as the nation observed the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, honoring nearly 3,000 lives lost. Ceremonies occurred at the World Trade Center site, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania. Key political figures, including all living former presidents and Vice President JD Vance, attended the Ground Zero ceremony. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Gov. Kathy Hochul, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez were also present. President Donald Trump addressed the Pentagon ceremony.