Liberal Forum

The protesters from the Palestinian Youth Movement and Party for Socialism and Liberation were there to confront Rep. Shri Thanedar, who had renounced his membership in the Democratic Socialists of America over its support of a “hate-filled and antisemitic” Times Square rally.
Party chair Jonathan Kinloch said that “polite” requests for them to leave fell on deaf ears, which “angered the event attendees, who then forced the protestors” out to protect seniors and disabled attendees.
Partygoer Valeria Berra said a protester “initiated” violence by shoving her against the wall.
The brawl even featured 91-year-old former Detroit police commissioner Bernice Smith hitting protesters with a cane, according to footage posted on Instagram, an act she justified as self-defense.
“Get outta here!” she repeatedly yelled at one of the gatecrashers.
Smith’s sons helped push protesters out. “I started it because I couldn’t believe they were doing this and nobody was doing anything,” one of her sons, Sterling Jackson, told the outlet.

1. the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims