New York( The COW News Digital) In a highly unusual scene outside the United Nations headquarters, French President Emmanuel Macron was briefly stopped by New York police and forced to continue his journey on foot. The incident occurred just moments after Macron’s landmark announcement recognizing the State of Palestine during his address to the UN General Assembly.
According to international media, President Macron’s motorcade was leaving the UN premises and heading toward the French mission when it was unexpectedly halted. The New York Police Department officers on duty informed the French security team that the road had been sealed for U.S. President Donald Trump’s motorcade as part of heightened security protocols.
“Sir, we’re sorry, but everything is closed right now. President Trump’s motorcade is about to pass. You’ll have to wait,” one officer reportedly told the French president. Macron, known for his calm demeanor, took the situation in stride and even added a touch of humor. Witnesses say he smiled, pulled out his phone, and jokingly called Trump, saying, “Guess what? I’m stuck on the road because everything is closed for you!”
Despite the brief diplomatic inconvenience, the NYPD soon opened the road for pedestrians, although vehicular traffic was still restricted. President Macron then decided to walk to the French mission rather than wait for the road to reopen fully, a decision that quickly made headlines and drew attention on social media.
The incident took place shortly after Macron’s bold announcement recognizing the State of Palestine — a move that has been welcomed by several countries and Palestinian leaders but has also sparked debates in Western capitals. Macron emphasized that recognizing Palestinian statehood was a step toward peace and a two-state solution, urging other nations to follow suit.
Security experts say such disruptions are rare but not unheard of during UNGA week in New York, where dozens of heads of state, prime ministers, and diplomats converge, leading to tight security measures and frequent traffic closures.
French officials later downplayed the event, calling it a “brief security delay” and praising the professionalism of NYPD officers. However, the image of a sitting French president walking through the streets of New York after being stopped by police has gone viral, with many commentators calling it a moment of humility and relatability.
