Police Arrest Hundreds as Protests Over Gaza Intensify on US University
In a wave of heightened demonstrations against the war in Gaza, police have arrested hundreds of protesters across various locations in the US, with tensions escalating on university campuses.
The protests have notably gained momentum at universities, with a significant number of arrests reported at institutions such as Emerson College in Boston and the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles. At Emerson College, authorities confirmed 108 arrests, while USC saw 93 individuals detained on trespassing charges. Additionally, clashes between protesters and law enforcement unfolded at the University of Texas in Austin, resulting in 34 arrests.
In Boston, clashes at Emerson College led to injuries among officers, with one reportedly in serious condition.
The surge in protests reflects a growing movement among students who are mobilizing to oppose Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Universities nationwide have witnessed walkouts and attempts to establish encampments as students voice their dissent.
At USC, tensions peaked as police officers in riot gear dispersed a pro-Palestinian encampment in Alumni Park, the site of the university’s upcoming graduation ceremony. Despite a 10-minute warning to disperse, protesters who remained were arrested on trespassing charges. The police intervention drew criticism, with videos online capturing moments of confrontation between officers and demonstrators.
In Boston, clashes at Emerson College led to injuries among officers, with one reportedly in serious condition. The college, which had seen students camping out since Sunday, has yet to comment on the arrests but emphasized its support for peaceful protests while urging compliance with the law.
Meanwhile, Governor Greg Abbott of Texas deployed the National Guard to prevent demonstrators from marching through campus, asserting that they “belong in jail.” Social media footage depicted officers dispersing crowds and issuing warnings to vacate the premises.
As protests continue to unfold, authorities face mounting pressure to balance public safety with the right to peaceful assembly. The arrests underscore the deep divisions surrounding the conflict in Gaza and the impassioned response it has elicited among students and activists in the US.
