Over 20 Arrested at University of Texas Pro-Palestinian Rally

Over 20 individuals were apprehended on Wednesday during demonstrations supporting Palestine at the University of Texas in Austin, in the midst of a wave of protests occurring at universities nationwide in light of Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza, backed by Iran.

Prior to this, several arrests took place earlier in the week at Columbia University, New York University, and Yale as protesters urged their schools to divest from Israeli businesses and demanded the U.S. government cease its support for Israel’s military.

The Palestine Solidarity Committee at the University of Texas mentioned that they were inspired by the actions of other students at various universities, as reported by KVUE-TV in Austin. On Wednesday morning, students organized a walkout and assembly near Gregory Gym in preparation to march and take over the university’s South Mall.

However, the university, in a letter from the Office of the Dean of Students to the Palestine Solidarity Committee, informed them that the protest was not sanctioned and would not be allowed to proceed as intended, according to KVUE. The university stated, “Simply put, The University of Texas at Austin will not allow this campus to be ‘taken’ and protesters to derail our mission in ways that groups affiliated with your national organization have accomplished elsewhere.” They warned of disciplinary action, including potential suspension, for the organization and its members if the event went on as planned.

The letter also mentioned that non-affiliated individuals would be asked to vacate the campus, with refusal potentially leading to arrest.

As students walked out of class at 11:40 a.m. local time to begin their demonstration, law enforcement officers from the state and university arrived on the scene via various means, including horses, bicycles, motorcycles, cars, and on foot, as reported by the Austin American-Statesman .

After marching south for about 45 minutes from the Gregory Gym region on the Speedway Mall, the protesters were ordered to disperse or face arrest, according to penal code regulations. Following the order, the crowd began to disperse.

Although students regrouped and chanted upon their return, resulting in additional arrests, they eventually began setting up tents for an encampment near the UT Tower and South Lawn, despite efforts by law enforcement to disperse them from the Speedway Mall.

As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, the Texas Department of Public Safety disclosed that over 20 people had been taken into custody, as reported by KVUE.

“Arrests being made right now & will continue until the crowd disperses,” remarked Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. “These protesters belong in jail. Antisemitism will not be tolerated in Texas. Period.” He emphasized the expulsion of students participating in anti-Semitic demonstrations at public colleges or universities in the state.