A pro-Palestinian demonstration in downtown Boston escalated into a riot Tuesday night, resulting in multiple injuries to officers, property damage, and 13 arrests, according to city officials.

Police said between 200 and 300 people gathered for what began as a protest organized by local Students for Justice in Palestine chapters before the situation turned violent.

The event coincided with the two-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel and was promoted by organizers as an effort to “flood downtown for Palestine.”

Boston Police said the protest began peacefully before participants began blocking an intersection, refusing to clear the street to allow emergency vehicles through.

“When officers attempted to move the group to the sidewalk to allow emergency vehicles to pass, protesters surrounded police cruisers, kicked vehicle doors and resisted dispersal efforts.

Several officers were assaulted during this period, including one struck in the face. Protesters also ignited smoke devices and flares, further endangering officers and bystanders,” the department said in a statement.

As tensions escalated, police deployed additional officers to contain the crowd.

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“As violence escalated, more officers were deployed to the area while agitators continued to resist dispersal,” the department said.

Officials reported that during the confrontation, rioters forcibly removed and damaged police equipment.

“During the disturbance, officers reported equipment being forcibly removed or damaged, including body-worn cameras, radios, bicycles and other duty gear,” Boston Police said.

Police arrested 13 individuals on charges including unlawful assembly, violent resistance, and obstruction of emergency response efforts.

Those arrested were identified as: Osama Khatib, 26; Roder Atwood, 21; Atalanta Carrig-Braun, 20; Haley MacIntyre, 24; Madeline Weikel, 27; Jacob Pettigrew, 22; Amun Prophet, 25; Laith Hintzman, 19; Benjamin Choucroun, 20; Owen Woodcock, 26; Prahlad Iyengar, 25; Styx Hatch, 19; and Gabrielle Smith, 28.

Witnesses reported hearing chants directed at law enforcement, including “F**k you, Nazis” and “BPD is KKK,” as protesters clashed with officers and refused orders to leave the area.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu issued a statement condemning the violence and expressing support for the police response.

“We are extremely grateful for the work of the Boston Police in keeping the city safe and in supporting the right to peacefully protest,” Wu said.

“Boston will not tolerate violence, and we categorically condemn those who came into our community to attack our police officers. The individuals who engaged in these attacks must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Police said several officers sustained minor injuries, though no hospitalizations were reported.

Officials added that the department is reviewing body camera footage to identify additional suspects involved in the violence or property damage.

On Wednesday, supporters of those arrested gathered outside Boston Municipal Court for the arraignments, chanting and holding banners calling for the release of the defendants.

City officials said that while Boston protects the right to peaceful protest, law enforcement will respond swiftly to criminal activity.

“Our officers demonstrated professionalism under very difficult circumstances,” a police spokesperson said.

“The right to protest does not include the right to assault officers or obstruct emergency services.”

The incident marks one of several recent clashes between demonstrators and police in major U.S. cities tied to protests over the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Boston police said its investigation into the Tuesday night riot remains ongoing.