GREENWICH VILLAGE, Manhattan — Eight were arrested near and around Washington Square Park during Pride celebrations on Sunday night, police said.
A 23-year-old woman allegedly threw a water bottle at police and bit a lieutenant; a 20-year-old woman allegedly threw water at police. They were arrested for assault, criminal possession of a weapon and resisting arrest, police said.
Additionally, a 29-year-old man and 30-year-old man allegedly slapped lieutenants, officials said. They were given desk appearance tickets and charged with obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest, the NYPD said.
The officers involved were all OK, an NYPD spokesperson said.
Three men and a woman were also given summons for disorderly conduct, police said. They were allegedly starting fights with people over Pride events.
Video from the scene showed a large police presence. Around 7:15 p.m., a crowd clashed with officers, police said.
Many on Twitter reported pepper spray was used, but the NYPD would not confirm that on Sunday night.
Police have not yet said what charges were filed against the people taken into custody.
The main New York City Pride parade, which usually draws throngs of participants and spectators, was presented as a television broadcast special, since now-lifted pandemic restrictions were still in effect at the time it was being planned.
That didn’t deter throngs from gathering in person on Sunday afternoon for PrideFest, a street fair with vendors, food and entertainment in Manhattan.
New York City’s gay pride parades began in 1970 to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall uprising, which started after a police raid on a Manhattan gay bar.
