Boston Common, October 11, 2025
News Summary
A violent pro-Palestinian rally on Boston Common resulted in injuries to law enforcement and multiple arrests. Mayor Michelle Wu reaffirmed the city’s safety amidst the chaos, while officials condemned the violent actions. The rally coincided with the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, escalating tensions in Boston. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s office has upgraded charges against those arrested, and pretrial hearings are scheduled for October 31.
Boston
Mayor, police and prosecutors respond after violent rally on Boston Common
Mayor Michelle Wu reaffirmed Boston’s status as the safest major city following a violent pro-Palestinian rally on Boston Common. The protest, held on the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, turned chaotic and resulted in injuries to law enforcement, arrests and upgraded criminal charges.
What happened at the rally
The rally took place on the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, which led to ongoing conflict in Gaza. During the rally, protesters blocked traffic, directed vulgar chants at police, and assaulted officers. Boston police reported that some protesters set off devices causing red smoke, contributing to the volatile situation.
The protest erupted into chaos, resulting in injuries to four Boston Police officers, two of whom required hospitalization for injuries, including a broken nose. Additional police resources were deployed as protesters refused to clear the streets and engaged in violent acts.
Arrests, charges and court schedule
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden has upgraded charges against 13 arrested protesters to include the violation of state law prohibiting the “promotion of anarchy.” Prosecutors allege that the protest was organized with intentions of causing destruction and disruption, supported by promotional materials featuring violent imagery.
Arrested protesters ranged in age from 19 to 28 and included a Tufts student charged with assaulting an officer. Judge Paul M. Treseler set cash bail for the arrested protesters, with amounts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The Boston Municipal Court planned pretrial hearings for all detainees, scheduled for October 31.
Official reactions and internal criticism
Governor Maura Healey condemned the violent actions during the protest, reminding that peaceful protest is a right but violence against law enforcement is not acceptable. Mayor Wu called for accountability for the protesters involved and condemned their actions as unacceptable while also praising the police for their efforts in maintaining order during protests and noting the city has a history of peaceful demonstrations.
Larry Calderone, president of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, criticized the police department’s preparation for the event and said the department did not adequately prepare for the scale of disruption. The criticism came amid calls for an internal review of planning and resource deployment for large demonstrations.
Context and related incidents
The demonstration in Boston coincided with protests worldwide related to the ongoing conflict, calling for solidarity with Palestine and urging for university divestment from companies linked to Israel. Chaos had begun earlier in the week with an unrelated violent street racing incident, which saw police officers assaulted and a cruiser set on fire. City officials said both incidents contributed to heightened tensions and stretched public safety resources.
Officials emphasized that while the city supports peaceful protest and free expression, there is no tolerance for violence against officers or community members. Investigations into the rally, the promotional materials cited by prosecutors, and the actions of specific individuals arrested at the scene are ongoing. The legal process will continue with pretrial hearings set for October 31.
Key facts at a glance
- Location: Boston Common
- Event: Pro-Palestinian rally on the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel
- Injuries: Four Boston Police officers injured; two hospitalized, including one with a broken nose
- Arrests: 13 protesters arrested
- Charges: Upgraded to include violation of state law prohibiting the “promotion of anarchy”
- Bail: Cash bail set between $5,000 and $10,000
- Pretrial hearings: The Boston Municipal Court planned pretrial hearings for all detainees, scheduled for October 31
FAQ
Q: What did Mayor Michelle Wu say about the city’s safety?
A: Mayor Michelle Wu reaffirmed Boston’s status as the safest major city following a violent pro-Palestinian rally on Boston Common.
Q: When did the rally occur and what was its occasion?
A: The rally took place on the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, which led to ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Q: Were police officers injured during the protest?
A: The protest erupted into chaos, resulting in injuries to four Boston Police officers, two of whom required hospitalization for injuries, including a broken nose.
Q: How many people were arrested and what charges do they face?
A: Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden has upgraded charges against 13 arrested protesters to include the violation of state law prohibiting the “promotion of anarchy.”
Q: What did prosecutors say about the protest’s organization?
A: Prosecutors allege that the protest was organized with intentions of causing destruction and disruption, supported by promotional materials featuring violent imagery.
Q: What are the ages of the arrested protesters and is there any notable defendant?
A: Arrested protesters ranged in age from 19 to 28 and included a Tufts student charged with assaulting an officer.
Q: What bail amounts were set and when are court hearings?
A: Judge Paul M. Treseler set cash bail for the arrested protesters, with amounts ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The Boston Municipal Court planned pretrial hearings for all detainees, scheduled for October 31.
Q: How did state and city leaders respond?
A: Governor Maura Healey condemned the violent actions during the protest, reminding that peaceful protest is a right but violence against law enforcement is not acceptable. Mayor Wu called for accountability for the protesters involved and condemned their actions as unacceptable while also praising the police for their efforts in maintaining order during protests and noting the city has a history of peaceful demonstrations.
Useful information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Boston Common |
| Occasion | Two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel |
| Officers injured | 4 injured; 2 hospitalized (one with broken nose) |
| Arrest count | 13 arrested |
| Charges | Upgraded to include violation of state law prohibiting the “promotion of anarchy” |
| Age range of arrested | 19 to 28 |
| Notable defendant | Tufts student charged with assaulting an officer |
| Bail | $5,000 to $10,000 cash bail set by Judge Paul M. Treseler |
| Next court date | The Boston Municipal Court planned pretrial hearings for all detainees, scheduled for October 31 |
| Related incidents this week | Unrelated violent street racing incident with officers assaulted and a cruiser set on fire |
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Additional Resources
- Boston Herald: 13 arrested, four police officers injured in violent Boston Common protest
- Wikipedia: 2023 Boston Common protests
- CBS News: Protesters arraignment following Boston Palestinian rally
- Google Search: Boston Common protests
- WCVB: Another group of suspects charged in violent rally in Boston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protest
- NBC Boston: Boston Gaza rally protesters arrested
- Google News: Pro-Palestinian rally Boston
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
