Rachel Himes, a children’s book writer and PhD student at Columbia University, has gained attention for her leadership in disruptiv rallies and her alignment with organizations fostering extremist rhetoric. On January 8, 2024, Himes was arrested during a large-scale disruption in New York City titled “Shut it Down for Palestine.” Protesters blocked traffic at multiple key locations, including the Holland Tunnel, where Himes was detained alongside others.

Himes’s actions during the protest, including her public statements and subsequent social media posts, have been widely criticized for glorifying unrest and promoting inflammatory narratives alligned with US-designated terrorist organization Hamas. She has often called for sustained disruptions and an end to U.S. financial support for international conflicts, expressing solidarity with terrorist ideologies.

Rachel Himes’ Arrest and Extremist Activity

At the January 2024 protest, Himes was one of approximately 150 individuals who blocked traffic at the Holland Tunnel, one of New York City’s critical transit arteries. The protest was organized by groups known for their confrontational tactics, including Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), and the Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM). The group chanted slogans targeting law enforcement and other institutions, fostering divisive rhetoric that further escalated tensions.

Himes’s own statements emphasized a commitment to continued disruption and activism. While being arrested, she declared that temporary unrest in Manhattan was intended to mirror restricted mobility elsewhere, further justifying the protest’s tactics.