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Anti-Israel protesters clash with Philadelphia police outside Trump-Harris presidential debate

A large crowd of anti-Israel protesters clashed with police outside the Philadelphia venue for the Trump-Harris presidential debate on Tuesday night.

As Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump squared off inside the National Constitution Center on the issue of the Israeli-Hamas war, keffiyeh-clad protesters pushed back against police in riot gear trying to disperse the mob.

Organizers said at least three people were detained by police as about 100 officers tried to disperse the crowd. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Police could not immediately confirm the number of arrests, according to local newspapers.

Police officers clear anti-Israel protesters from the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on September 10, 2024. Josh Morgan – USA TODAY
Masked protesters hold flares outside the National Constitution Center as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris participate in a presidential debate inside the building on September 10, 2024. Freedom News TV

Officers used motorcycles to push back the crowd and handcuffed a protester wearing a glittery mask with black horns and igniting a red flare, according to video filmed by Freedom News.

The crowd called for a ceasefire, but protesters from other groups, including anti-abortion, anti-Trump and anti-Project 2025 demonstrators and animal rights activists, also tried to make their voices heard earlier in the day.

Keffiyeh-clad protesters pushed back police in riot gear as they tried to contain the violent crowds. Josh Morgan – USA TODAY
Organizers said at least three people were detained by police as about 100 officers tried to disperse the crowd. Josh Morgan – USA TODAY

The only people remaining were anti-Israel protesters, when violent clashes with police broke out.

Philadelphia police did not immediately respond to The Post's inquiries.

On September 10, 2024, protesters outside the debate venue held signs opposing both Harris and Trump. Josh Morgan/USA TODAY Network
An anti-Israel protester shouts during a march from Philadelphia City Hall to the National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024. Josh Morgan – USA TODAY

During the debate, Trump said Harris “hates Israel” and claimed that if he were still president, “this war would never have happened.”

“We will always give Israel the ability to defend itself, especially with regards to Iran, but we need a two-state solution that allows us to rebuild Gaza in a way that is safe for Palestinians,” Harris promised.

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