Since the first attack by the Hamas organization in October 2023, many Americans, including New Yorkers, have put their support behind those who have been taken hostage or killed in the conflict. However, not everyone shares this sentiment. Unfortunately, there are some like Mackenzie Watson, who single-handedly attempt to stop the pro-Palestine sentiment, leaving a wake of assault victims.
Posters Around New York
The root of the problem seems to lie in the Israeli hostage posters and stickers that have been posted on poles throughout New York, including the Upper West Side. Individuals post these flyers as a way to spread information about the number of people victimized in Israel by Hamas, increasing awareness. Watson has made it his mission to remove as many of these posters and stickers as possible while he walks dogs through the neighborhood.
Taking down posters isn’t the only step Watson has taken to get his own message across. He has taken to harassing anyone who attempts to stop him from removing these flyers. In fact, he has already been charged with assault on at least one occasion and could stand to face additional charges as more victims come forward.
Numerous Outbursts Against Residents
According to the New York Post, one such incident involved a woman and her 15-year-old daughter who removed one of his antisemitic stickers from a lamp post. Upon seeing the act, Watson started recording the mother and daughter and followed them for five blocks as they attempted to get away from him. Throughout the frightening encounter, Watson yelled obscenities at the pair. The mother reported the incident to police authorities and met another neighbor at the precinct who was also filing a complaint.
Watson’s harassment has gone beyond verbal insults and stalking. Watson has also been known to physically strike anyone he sees posting the flyers or who attempts to stop him from removing them. One incident involved a 45-year-old woman who now carries pepper spray in case she encounters him again.
Another incident occurred in November 2023 when 32-year-old Joseph Goodrich was knocked to the ground and punched, dislocating his shoulder. Goodrich hired New York lawyer Peter Gordon to represent him in filing a case against Watson, who acted out when Goodrich attempted to stop him from tearing down Israel hostage posters. Unfortunately, the District Attorney only gave Watson a slap on the wrist, entering a plea bargain with a lesser charge of second-degree harassment on the condition he complete anger management and stay out of trouble for a year.
Despite the light sentence, Watson was back to assaulting New York residents, violating his plea deal. He physically assaulted a 59-year-old man who attempted to intervene when Watson was arguing with a woman over tearing down the hostage posters. Charges are still pending against Watson for violating the agreement.
If you have been victimized by Watson or wish to learn more, contact Gordon & Gordon.