A recorded altercation occurred in New York City involving a person dressed in an Elmo costume who displayed a Palestinian flag. A firefighter confronted this pro-Palestinian protester, calling them ‘anti-American.’ The encounter was near the city’s 9/11 memorial ceremony at Ground Zero and was captured by Turning Point USA (TPUSA) and shared online.

The confrontation escalated with the firefighter shouting at the protester to leave, referencing Palestine. There is uncertainty whether the man was an active or retired firefighter. The firefighter also mentioned former President Barack Obama, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Gov. Kathy Hochul, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, suggesting that they accompany the protester out of the country.

There was further shouting in the video, with an unidentified individual accusing Jews of committing genocide. It remains unknown if this was a different protester.

According to TPUSA’s post, tensions from attendees of the 9/11 memorial service appeared to have overflowed into the street. The memorial service marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

The New York City Fire Department clarified that despite the individual’s uniform, the person involved in the verbal altercation is not and has never been associated with the FDNY.

Many notable figures attended the memorial, including living former presidents and Vice President JD Vance. President Donald Trump gave a keynote speech during the Pentagon ceremony. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other dignitaries also attended the Ground Zero event.