Early Wednesday morning, the Metropolitan Police Department arrived on the campus of George Washington University to dismantle an anti-Israel encampment. This action took place just hours before D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was scheduled to testify before the House regarding the handling of protests at the university.
Dozens of officers were observed near the encampment on University Yard as protesters, some equipped with megaphones and speakers, engaged in chants such as 'the people have all the power!' and 'the people united will never be defeated!'
Video footage captured officers removing tents from the encampment and dispersing the protesters. A confrontation between police and protesters led to law enforcement deploying pepper spray towards the demonstrators.
Prior to this incident, officers had been stationed at the residence of GWU President Ellen Granberg after a group of protesters marched to her home. The protesters demanded negotiations with Granberg, with some chanting phrases suggesting her reluctance to engage with them.
In a statement released on Sunday, Granberg described the encampment as an 'unauthorized protest' that posed a threat to the university community. She highlighted instances of vandalism, intimidation, and confrontations with campus police and staff.
Granberg emphasized that while peaceful protests are protected by the First Amendment and university policies, the encampment at GWU had escalated into an illegal and potentially hazardous occupation of university property.
As of Wednesday morning, at least 35 protesters have been arrested, and eight students have been suspended in connection with the events at George Washington University.
