The New York Police Department (NYPD) has warned that planned pro-Palestinian protests could cause problems at the yearly Rockefeller Center tree lighting ceremony in New York City.

A threat assessment warning from the NYPD Intelligence and Counterterrorism Bureau says that protests may use the chance to bring attention to their cause, which could be dangerous.

The danger assessment recognizes that the protesters have the right to free speech under the First Amendment, but it also worries about how the activity might affect the fun event. The warning says there aren’t any specific or serious threats linked to the lighting of the trees, but it stresses that the United States is at a higher risk from a number of extremists.

A lot of pro-Palestinian groups, like those advertising the protest with the phrase “FLOOD the Tree Lighting for GAZA!,” want people to show their support during the event. The call to action, not joy, comes from a desire to stand with Palestine, noting recent attacks on the area and the deaths of Palestinians, especially children.

The New York Police Department is keeping a close eye on things and is worried that foreign terrorist groups might use propaganda to stir up violence. The danger evaluation talks about recent articles from al-Qa’ida’s as-Sahab Media Foundation that encouraged attacks on military targets and people seen as backing Israel.

Pro-Palestinian protesters caused problems during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which led to this warning. While some people walked into the parade route holding a sign that said “Liberation for Palestine and Planet,” others tried to stop it by sticking their hands to the street and dousing themselves in red liquid.

As the city gets ready for the Rockefeller Center tree lighting event, police are still on high alert. They want to stress how important it is for everyone to be safe during the holidays, even though the risks are always changing.