State police in Texas apprehended pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday after many students left classes to hold a sit-in in solidarity with Gaza, as stated by local and state media.
Videos on social media display state police in riot gear trying to scatter the crowd. The Texas Tribune provided this information. There have been four students detained so far, with the possibility of more detentions if the crowds do not disperse.
According to The Dallas Morning News, police were armed with batons and rifles, and some used batons to move people back. The university was ready for the midday protests on Wednesday, and the office of student affairs issued a statement warning students of the consequences for taking part in the event.
A representative for the office stated, “UT Austin will not accept disruptions of campus activities or operations, as observed at other campuses. This is a crucial time in our semester, with students completing classes and preparing for finals, and our priority is to ensure that these essential functions proceed without disturbance.”
The demonstration resembles others that have occurred at numerous campuses nationwide. In the past week, there have been demonstrations at various prestigious institutions where protesters established encampments on university property.
Several schools have threatened to suspend participating students, and over 100 activists have been arrested at Columbia University.
Columbia transitioned their classes to a hybrid format due to safety concerns.
The Hill has sought comments from UT Austin, state police, and Governor Greg Abbott’s (R) office.
State police in Texas detained pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of Texas at Austin on Wednesday after hundreds of students walked out of classes and started a sit-in to show support for Gaza, according to local and state media. Social media videos show state police in riot gear attempting to disperse the crowd. The Texas Tribune reported that four students…
