The Upper West Side of Manhattan has become the stage for a series of disturbing confrontations instigated by Mackenzie Watson, a dog walker notorious for his aggressive anti-Israel stance and volatile behavior. Dubbed “MackNazi” by his neighbors, Watson has engaged in a campaign of harassment, intimidation, and even physical assault against individuals who display support for Israel or express concern for the victims of the October 2023 Hamas attacks. His actions have created an atmosphere of fear and anxiety among residents, many of whom have reported feeling unsafe due to his unpredictable outbursts and targeted aggression. Watson’s campaign centers on the removal of posters displaying images of Israeli hostages and the placement of pro-Palestinian stickers throughout the neighborhood.
Watson’s aggressive behavior has manifested in various forms, ranging from verbal abuse and stalking to physical violence. He has been accused of shouting expletives and antisemitic slurs at individuals who challenge his actions, following them for blocks, and even physically assaulting those who attempt to stop him from defacing or removing posters. One particularly disturbing incident involved a 15-year-old girl and her mother who were subjected to a barrage of verbal abuse and followed for several blocks after the teenager removed one of Watson’s “anti-genocide” stickers. The mother reported feeling terrified and helpless as Watson unleashed a torrent of hateful language upon them. This incident highlights the vulnerability of residents, particularly women and children, who have become targets of Watson’s escalating aggression.
The pattern of harassment and violence extends beyond isolated incidents. Multiple residents have reported repeated encounters with Watson, describing him as increasingly volatile and unpredictable. One neighbor, a 71-year-old architect, recounted multiple hostile encounters with Watson over the stickers and posters, with at least two instances escalating to Watson following him for several blocks. Another woman, who was posting stickers raising awareness for Israeli and American hostages, was subjected to a torrent of verbal abuse and threats by Watson, leaving her feeling deeply shaken and fearing for her safety. These recurring encounters underscore the pervasive nature of Watson’s harassment and the sense of fear he has instilled within the community.
The physical violence attributed to Watson reached a critical point in November 2023 when he allegedly assaulted a man who attempted to prevent him from tearing down hostage posters. The victim, Joseph Goodrich, suffered a dislocated shoulder and other injuries as a result of the attack. While Watson was charged with assault, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office offered him a plea bargain, resulting in a conditional discharge contingent on his completion of anger management courses and avoidance of further legal trouble. This lenient treatment, however, proved ineffective in curbing Watson’s aggressive behavior.
Less than two months after the plea bargain, Watson violated the terms of his conditional discharge by allegedly assaulting another individual who intervened in a dispute over a hostage poster. This subsequent arrest and the renewed charges underscore the failure of the initial lenient approach in addressing the underlying issues driving Watson’s behavior. The repeated instances of violence raise serious concerns about the safety of the community and the adequacy of the legal response to his actions. The escalating nature of the incidents suggests that Watson’s behavior is becoming increasingly unrestrained and poses a growing threat to the well-being of residents.
Watson’s actions are part of a broader trend of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment that has emerged in the wake of the Hamas attacks. His targeted harassment and violence contribute to a climate of fear and intimidation, making it difficult for residents to express support for Israel or voice concern for the hostages without fear of reprisal. The case of Nallah Sutherland, an Adam administration staffer who was initially given lenient disciplinary action for tearing down hostage posters, further exemplifies this concerning trend. While Mayor Eric Adams eventually intervened and suspended Sutherland without pay, the initial response underscores the challenges in addressing this complex issue within the broader societal context. The incidents involving Watson and Sutherland highlight the need for a more robust and consistent approach to combating antisemitism and protecting the rights of all residents to express their views without fear of harassment or violence.
