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Today in History: Construction workers assault Vietnam War protesters in NYC

5/8/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On May 8 1970, about 1,200 New York City workers—roughly 400 construction laborers and 800 office staff—stormed a protest of roughly 1,000 anti-war demonstrators. The crowd, waving U.S. flags and chanting patriotic slogans, attacked students protesting the Kent State killings and the U.S. invasion of Cambodia, shouting “Peace now.”

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Story summary

On May 8 1970, about 1,200 New York City workers—roughly 400 construction laborers and 800 office staff—stormed a protest of roughly 1,000 anti-war demonstrators. The crowd, waving U.S. flags and chanting patriotic slogans, attacked students protesting the Kent State killings and the U.S. invasion of Cambodia, shouting “Peace now.”