Macron Briefly Detained in Manhattan Traffic During UNGA, Calls President From Street
New York, NY – French President Emmanuel Macron experienced an unexpected delay while en route to the France Embassy in Manhattan on September 22, 2025, becoming briefly caught in traffic congestion surrounding the United Nations General Assembly. Video footage circulating widely online shows Macron making a phone call from the street, reportedly to President Biden, while awaiting passage.
The incident occurred amidst heightened security measures for the UNGA, where world leaders, including Macron, are advocating for peace initiatives. According to the Indian Times, the disruption was caused by the motorcade of U.S. President Biden, which takes priority during the assembly. Security protocols for visiting heads of state typically Includes armored vehicles and security personnel.
Macron’s presence at the UN comes as France officially recognized the “state of Palestine” from the UN podium, a move he described as being “for peace between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples,” during a Conference focused on two states. The UN General Assembly is currently dominated by discussions surrounding the War in Gaza.
