Pro-Palestinian protesters interrupt WaterFire Providence ceremony

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Saturday’s partial WaterFire lighting was interrupted by pro-Palestinian protestors.

Governor Dan McKee partnered up with ‘Always Learning Rhode Island’ to celebrate Learn365RI and offer resources to raise education outcomes for students.

High school and college students from around the state held the torches during the lighting.

However, at one point, dozens of pro-Palestinian protestors came through rallying, interrupting McKee and the state’s commissioner of education at the podium.

“Obviously, we have freedom of speech, but there’s a time and place for everything,” said Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green. “And if you want to be heard and you want to have dialogue, you have the dialogue at the right time. But taking away from celebrating students, not the right time, just not right.”

Protestors left around 10 minutes after arrival, and the lighting went on as planned.