US Police Detain Dozens in Pro-Palestinian University Protest

Photo : Reuters

Police in Washington, D.C. dispersed a pro-Palestinian encampment at George Washington University early Wednesday, resulting in several arrests, according to authorities. The action occurred shortly after 4:00 am (0800), with hundreds of officers converging on a university quad. Arrests were made, and pepper spray was reportedly used, as detailed by the student-run GW Hatchet newspaper. CNN reported that approximately three dozen individuals were taken into custody.

By 10:00 am, police remained at the scene, witnessed by an AFP reporter, overseeing the removal of tents towards a garbage truck. Meanwhile, a student held a sign reading "Free Palestine" on the sidewalk. The clearance of the encampment coincided with the expected testimony of the mayor and police chief before Congress, concerning the prolonged presence of the encampment, now in its second week.

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However, following the dispersal of the encampment, the House Oversight Committee, controlled by Republicans, announced the cancellation of the scheduled hearing. Representative James Comer stated that the situation at GW necessitated the committee's action, emphasizing perceived inaction by the DC police force.

The police department clarified that efforts were made to deescalate tensions prior to resorting to arrests. However, escalating incidents and information prompted a shift in strategy due to the increasing volatility of the protest.

Campus protests nationwide have emerged in response to the conflict in Gaza, with demands for divestment from US weapons manufacturers and Israeli institutions. Amid these demonstrations, reports of threats and anti-Semitic incidents have surfaced, alongside physical altercations between opposing groups.

President Joe Biden condemned the surge in anti-Semitism, emphasizing a commitment to combating hate speech and violence on college campuses. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators, including Jewish student organizers, distanced themselves from acts of anti-Semitism and criticized what they perceive as disproportionate police responses.

The unrest has affected university ceremonies, with Palestinian flags displayed and chants heard at graduation events. Notably, Columbia University canceled its main graduation ceremony, citing security concerns following the arrest of over 100 pro-Palestinian protesters in prior weeks.