More than a dozen pro-Palestinian protesters interrupted the St. Louis Pride Parade on Sunday for about an hour.
The protesters sat in the street and would not allow the parade to continue while they chanted and sang. They chained themselves to PVC pipe that stretched across Market Street in downtown St. Louis along the parade route.
St. Louis Metropolitan Police officers gave the crowd three orders to disperse before firefighters cut the pipe connecting the protesters and police took them into custody. Police say they took 19 people into custody and charged them with trespassing. Eleven people were also charged with resisting.
The protesters interrupted the Pride event because Boeing is a major sponsor. The defense contractor supplies Israel with many of its weapons.
Anti-Boeing protesters disrupt the annual St. Louis Pride Parade in downtown St. Louis, MO on June 30, 2024.
An onlooker jumps over to join anti-Boeing protesters during the annual St. Louis Pride Parade.
Firefighters cut a tube connecting protesters in downtown St. Louis.
(Left to right): A pro-Palestinian protester screams while firefighters cut a tube connecting demonstrator's arms along Market Street in downtown St.Louis. Anti-Boeing protester gets arrested at the annual St. Louis Pride Parade.
Willow Clark, 19, of Franklin County, enjoys the St. Louis Pride Parade in downtown St. Louis.
Jenna Worley, 28, and Travonta Haynes, 29, sings “Hot To Go” by Chappell Roan during Pride Parade in Downtown St.Louis.
Max Ruether, 24, dances with the St. Louis Colorguard Country Divas during the St. Louis Pride Parade in downtown St. Louis.
(Left to right): Justina Bill, 42, poses for a portrait on Sunday during the St. Louis Pride Parade in downtown St. Louis. “My house mom says do more color,” she said. “We love color.” Samantha Overturf, 25, watches the St. Louis Pride Parade in downtown St. Louis.
The rainbow flag casts its colors on Market Street during the Pride Parade in downtown St.Louis.