Protesters and police clash at University of Arizona
Anti-Israel protesters clashed with law enforcement at the University of Arizona campus, prompting police to use “chemical munitions” to disperse the crowd. The protesters defied university rules by setting up an unauthorized encampment, leading to a confrontation with authorities. This incident followed a warning from the university, stating that non-compliance would result in police intervention.
Anti-Israel protesters and law enforcement officials clashed on the University of Arizona campus on Thursday. Police had to use “chemical munitions” to clear the rowdy crowd.
Protesters built an illegal encampment on the campus around 5 p.m. on Thursday, according to reports. This directly violated the university’s protest rules and defied the policies established by University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins. These guidelines stipulated that any encampments or demonstrations set up on campus that would result in large gatherings required a permit issued by the school.
UAlert
Update 2
Police instructing unlawful assembly to disperse. Chemical munitions deployed. Avoid the area & follow directions of police. Update/s to follow— University of Arizona Police (@UArizonaPolice) May 10, 2024
The university warned the protesters to clear the area. Otherwise, the school would be forced to call law enforcement officers to clear the area.
“The University of Arizona Police Department is enforcing our campus use policy to remove an unauthorized encampment,” read a press release. “A structure made from wooden pallets and other debris was erected on campus property after 5 p.m. in violation of the policy. University officials issued warnings to remove the encampment and disperse. The warnings were ignored.”
It was the second time in less than a week that protesters ignored rules established by the college.
Police and SWAT officers were seen entering the campus around 11:30 p.m. Protesters reportedly began to throw objects at the law enforcement officers.
Rubber bullet shots have been fired at the University of Arizona tonight. A gas has been dispersed. And protesters are fighting back, throwing bottles of some sort of yeast mixture on SWAT cars: pic.twitter.com/wjBpz4rrW4
— Ellie Wolfe (@elliew0lfe) May 10, 2024
“We wish you no harm,” the police warned before taking action. “You have been given every opportunity to leave.”
After the demonstrators once again ignored the calls to disperse, police officers reportedly used tear gas and rubber bullets to clear the area.
“Police instructing unlawful assembly to disperse,” the University of Arizona Police Department posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Chemical munitions deployed. Avoid the area & follow directions of police.”
After the confrontation, the university released another statement regarding the events between protesters and the police.
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“This evening, police vehicles have been spiked, and rocks and water bottles have been thrown at officers and university staff,” school officials said in a written statement issued on Thursday night. “Those who have violated the law are subject to arrest and prosecution. University officials have taken action to ensure the safety of Centennial Hall convocation attendees.”
The university’s graduation festivities were set to take place this weekend. Police officers cleared the encampment early Friday morning.
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