Violent Pro-Palestinian Protest in Boston Leads to 13 Arrests, Injuries to Four Officers
Boston, MA – October 7, 2025 – Thirteen individuals where arrested Tuesday night following a violent clash with police during a pro-Palestinian protest on the Boston Common and surrounding streets. Four Boston Police officers sustained injuries, including reports of broken bones, though all injuries are considered non-life-threatening.
According to Boston Police, the situation escalated around 6:50 p.m. as protesters moved from the Common towards the intersection of Tremont and Winter streets. Police spokesman Sgt. Det. John Boyle stated that protesters then “turned on police,” damaging a marked cruiser, assaulting officers, obstructing traffic, and deploying devices that released red smoke.
Eight men and five women were taken into custody. As of shortly before 9 p.m., those arrested had not yet been booked, and their names, ages, and specific charges will be released on Wednesday, Boyle confirmed. Two of the injured officers were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Larry Calderone,president of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association,condemned the incident,stating,”Another night of violence against police officers in Boston tonight… Our officers were attacked,assaulted and sent to the hospital with injuries. Wholly despicable and totally unacceptable.” Calderone also expressed concern over staffing levels, noting officers were “outnumbered and understaffed” and called for increased police presence at future events to ensure officer safety and accountability for attackers.
The protest coincided with the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel and was promoted by flyers urging participants to “Flood Downtown for Palestine.”
City Councilor Ed Flynn echoed the condemnation of the violence, stating, “As a city, we can’t accept the ongoing violence against the men and women of the Boston Police Department. This must stop now.” He further asserted that those convicted of assaulting police officers should face state prison sentences.
The incident marks the second time in two days that Boston police have faced violent confrontations. On Sunday, a police cruiser was set ablaze and officers were assaulted during a street racing takeover in the South End, resulting in the arrest of two men from Rhode Island, with further charges anticipated.
Those arrested Tuesday are expected to be arraigned at Boston Municipal Court on New Chardon Street.
