The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC, arrested dozens of people on Wednesday following a skirmish between officers and a group that had been cleared from a pro-Palestinian encampment on the campus. The police stated that they had attempted non-arrest methods to deescalate tensions and ensure the safety of students and the GW campus. However, they noted a gradual escalation in the volatility of the protest, leading to the decision to disperse the demonstrators.
The arrests were made for charges including assault on a police officer and unlawful entry. The action occurred just hours before Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser and GW President Ellen Granberg were scheduled to testify before Congress on the response to the encampment. The hearing was subsequently canceled following the clearance of the encampment by the Metropolitan Police Department.
Pro-Palestinian protesters had set up camp at GW and other schools across the country to demonstrate against Israel's actions in Gaza and US support for the country. The encampment at GW had been in place for about two weeks and had faced criticism for being unauthorized, disrupting academic activities, and raising safety concerns.
The police had been planning to clear the protesters since Monday, with the timing of the action not directly related to the congressional hearing. However, the timing was noted as significant given the upcoming testimony. Between 30 and 40 protesters were arrested during the police operation.
MPD spokesperson stated that the police department would continue to support universities and private entities in need of assistance. Pepper spray was used near the university, but not on campus, during the operation to clear the protesters.
A demonstrator who had been part of the encampment expressed anger at the police action, stating that the camp had become a community where peaceful protests were held. The rapid clearance of the camp and the arrest of fellow protesters left him feeling frustrated and disappointed.
