Protestors gather at Textron headquarters to call for ceasefire in Israel-Hamas war
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Tensions surrounding the conflict in the Middle East are rising in Rhode Island, as more demonstrators are calling for a ceasefire.
A protest in Providence, part of a global call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, began at noon Thursday outside the Textron headquarters.
Textron is the defense technologies company through the U.S. Department of Defense, which provides aid for Israel.
Flyers for the protest say “Textron profits as Palestine suffers.”
Protestors gather at the Textron headquarters in Providence to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. (WLNE)
ABC 6 News obtained the following statement from Textron:
“Textron respects the right of people to engage in peaceful and lawful protest. We take pride in supporting the U.S. military and our U.S. allies with our technologies and products, following all laws and regulations related to foreign military sales. As a multi-industry company with locations in 25 countries, we are also proud of the role we play in our communities, particularly our headquarters community of Providence. We would also like to thank the Providence police and local law enforcement for their assistance in ensuring the safety of our employees, tenants and guests.”
The White House announced Thursday that Israel agreed to begin 4-hour daily pauses of military operations in Gaza, as the Biden administration found a way for civilians to escape the fighting.
ABC 6 saw the Textron building was wrapped in plastic ahead of the protest.
The building was hit with vandalism a few times last week.
Protestors gather at the Textron headquarters in Providence to call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. (WLNE)
Two RISD students have a hearing next Wednesday in connection to an incident where the building was defaced with “Free Gaza” and “Kills Kids” written in red paint.
Unrest has continued in Rhode Island, with a group of Brown University students arrested Wednesday night after a sit-in protest that started during the day and continued through the night, after the building they were demonstrating at closed.
The students were told to leave, or else they would be taken into custody for trespassing. Brown University officials said they were also repeatedly told they could face being kicked out of the school if they didn’t cooperate.
Hundreds of students gathered as the group was escorted out in handcuffs.
Brown University said the school is listening to students and campus community members impacted by the violence and is working to address their concerns.
