WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — Police cleared a pro-Palestinian encampment in University Yard at George Washington University early Wednesday and made several arrests after student protesters had occupied the site for nearly two weeks.
In a statement, the District of Columbia’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said it arrested people on suspicion of “assault of a police officer” and “unlawful entry.”
Some protesters were prepper sprayed as police stopped them from entering the encampment, the GW Hatchet, a student paper, reported.
MPD said it moved to disperse demonstrators due to “a gradual escalation in the volatility of the protest.”
MPD Chief Pamela Smith said during a news conference Wednesday that 33 people were arrested in response to the disbandment of the encampment. She added that officers are are maintaining a presence as they continue to clean up the encampment.
March to GWU president’s home
The clearing comes after dozens of people left the encampment and marched to GWU President Ellen Granberg’s home Tuesday evening while carrying signs that read “Free Palestine” and “Hands off Rafah.”
Police were called to maintain the crowd. No arrests were made.
According to the GW Hatchet, protesters denounced Granberg’s alleged refusal to meet with protest organizers about their demands.
In a statement Sunday, Granberg said officials have engaged in “regular and sustained” dialogues with student protesters but called for assistance from authorities in managing the “potentially dangerous” encampment.
GWU officials had warned of possible suspensions for students engaging in protest activities.
“While the university is committed to protecting students’ rights to free expression, the encampment had evolved into an unlawful activity, with participants in direct violation of multiple university policies and city regulations,” the university said in a statement.
DC’s response to protest
The clearing follows D.C.’s refusal to clear the encampment after GWU’s initial request last Friday, the GW Hatchet reported, a decision that members of Congress have responded to with displeasure.
Mayor Muriel Bowser and Smith were set to testify Wednesday about the District of Columbia’s handling of the protest at a House Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing, but the hearing was canceled following the disbandment of the encampment.
In a statement, Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., the committee’s chair, said he had a “good conversation” with Bowser and thanked her for “clearing the trespassers” off GWU’s campus.
“We will continue to hold D.C. officials accountable to ensure our nation’s capital is safe for all,” he said.
Tensions have continued to ratchet up in standoffs with protesters on campuses across the U.S. nearly three weeks into a movement launched by a protest at Columbia University.
Since April 18, just over 2,600 people have been arrested on 50 campuses, according to figures based on AP reporting and statements from universities and law enforcement agencies.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
