On Monday, hundreds of students gathered at the University of Wisconsin to protest against the attacks in Gaza. Despite warnings from the university that camping on campus was prohibited, students continued to set up a camp in one of the institution’s parks. In response, local police entered the campus early in the morning to evict them. Videos on social media show students confronting officers, who used riot shields and force to remove them from the area.
Similar demonstrations have been taking place at universities nationwide, with students calling for their institutions to cut ties with the Israeli government following the attacks in Gaza. In Los Angeles, police had to be deployed at UCLA after clashes between pro-Israel and anti-war protesters. In New York, Mayor Eric Adams reported that 282 people were arrested during pro-Palestinian protests, with some individuals being identified as “external agitators.”
Political figures from both major parties have condemned the protests and labeled some of the slogans and tactics used by students as anti-semitic and violent. President Joe Biden has also spoken out against the demonstrations, particularly the occupation of university buildings. The tensions between students, law enforcement, and political figures continue to escalate as
