Two individuals were arrested after interrupting a U.S. Open tennis match with a protest.
Two men were arrested and charged with criminal trespass after disrupting a U.S. Open match on Thursday night. Sayak Mukhopadhyay, 50, and Gregory Schwedock, 35, both faced charges after their protest in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Mukhopadhyay was also charged with disorderly conduct. The protest involved one individual gluing his feet to the floor, causing a delay in the ongoing match.
The incident occurred around 8:05 p.m., when the New York Police Department (NYPD) received reports of “disorderly individuals” inside the stadium. The protest was part of a larger action, as Mukhopadhyay’s attempt to glue himself to the floor was met with intervention from stadium personnel. The NYPD Emergency Service Unit responded swiftly to free the individual and take him into custody without further incident.
The charges of criminal trespass were brought against both men for disrupting the event. The protest did not cause significant physical harm, but it did briefly halt the match, drawing attention to the actions of the protesters. Mukhopadhyay and Schwedock’s motivations have not been publicly disclosed, though protests during major events have become a method for activists to raise awareness on various issues.
This protest marks the latest in a series of disruptions during high-profile events aimed at addressing global concerns, especially around climate change and environmental issues. Protests have increasingly made their way into sports arenas and cultural institutions as activists seek platforms to amplify their messages. The NYPD’s swift response ensured that the disruption was minimal and the match continued after a brief delay.
