Alec Baldwin caught up in pro-Palestinian protest as actor seen in shouting match before being escorted off in NYC
ALEC Baldwin has gotten into a heated shouting match with pro-Palestinian protesters who flooded New York City streets on Monday.
Video showed Baldwin yelling back at demonstrators after he got caught up in the protest while walking through Manhattan.
Jesse Hamilton, an executive producer for NBC New York, said on X, formerly Twitter: “Actor Alec Baldwin got into a confrontation with a pro-Palestinian demonstrator during a rally in Midtown Manhattan tonight.
“Baldwin just happened to be walking through the area at the time.”
NBC New York reported earlier tonight: “Just a short time ago unexpectedly – as a pedestrian – actor Alec Baldwin showed up and had a confrontation with one of the pro-Palestinian protesters.
“It’s difficult – because it happened just moments ago – for us to tell exactly what the back-and-forth was about.
“But as you can see, tensions right there were very high, passions right there (were) very high.
“And that was preceded by a number of smaller skirmishes that happened throughout the evening with some of the pro-Palestinian protesters.”
But, in a further update tonight, a source close to the star explained that he accidentally became swept up in the drama while walking “to teach an acting class.”
Baldwin is best known for TV comedy 30 Rock. He and his wife Hilaria have six children.
BALDWIN ESCORTED AWAY
In video taken during Monday’s fierce exchange, Baldwin could be heard telling one of the protesters: “You’ve already got your mind made up for every question. Ask a smart question.”
And as the A-lister, age 65, was escorted through the crowd by cops, those at the scene could be heard demanding: “Why did you even come here?”
Katie Smith, a reporter covering protests and the social movements in NYC, shared a clip of the star as he was heckled in Manhattan.
She posted on X: “Actor Alec Baldwin, after walking through the protest and saying something to one of the protesters which apparently escalated the situation, is escorted away by a hoard (sic) of NYPD officers.”
The clip shows Baldwin surrounded by cops escorting him away from the demonstration.
In the video, a man can be heard calling out to the star as he is led to safety: “I don’t get it, I don’t get it Alec,” as he questioned the actor’s presence at the scene.
‘GIVE US ROOM’
A cop told people thronging around Baldwin: “Give us some room.”
Police then formed a protective ring around him as he sheltered near a metal door, as members of the public could be heard swearing at the star.
The U.S. Sun has contacted his representative and the New York Police Department for comment.
NBC News reported tonight: “It’s unclear what exactly led to the confrontation and how Baldwin came to be in the area.
“Baldwin’s appearance came minutes after several small scuffles between protesters and police.”
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators had earlier been seen at Grand Central terminal, the Port Authority bus terminal, and Penn Station.
The New York Post reported that Baldwin had been walking by the demonstration near West 29th Street “when protesters spotted him and darted toward him, accusing him of supporting Israel.
“A group berated Baldwin as cops stood between the group and the comedian, who was against a door.”
Fox News said that livestreamed footage showed the actor being asked by a pro-Palestinian activist: “Whose pocket are you in?”
CALLS FOR PEACE
Video of the moment he was asked about Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war show him snapping back at a protester: “I’m in Hollywood’s pocket, you say?”
“You ask stupid questions. Ask me a smart question.”
While being led away by the cops, he told another activist: “I want peace for Gaza, though.”
New York-based freelance reporter Yashar Ali cited a source saying that Baldwin had been in the vicinity of the protest as he was heading to an acting class.
The source said: “Alec was on his way to volunteer to teach an acting class.
“He had no intention of going to the protest and was not involved in any way.”
They alleged that Baldwin “was approached aggressively and repeatedly.
“The police stepped in to avoid further confrontation so he could make his way to the class safely.”
RUST SHOOTING
It comes after news emerged that there are plans to recharge Baldwin with involuntary manslaughter in connection to the fatal 2021 Rust movie set shooting, according to reports.
The move comes six months after New Mexico prosecutors dismissed the exact same charges against the actor, citing new evidence and requesting time to investigate.
The case is centered around the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal on the Rust film set on October 21, 2021.
At the time, Baldwin, who has long maintained his innocence, described the shooting as a tragic accident.
Baldwin was previously married to 9 1/2 Weeks star Kim Basinger for nine years.
They were involved in a bitter and protracted court battle before divorcing in 2002.