A pro-Palestine demonstration at the University of Texas at Austin results in multiple arrests and a strong police response, as part of a wider series of protests across the US.
Dozens of pro-Palestine protesters were arrested during a demonstration at the University of Texas at Austin. The incident, which involved a significant deployment of riot police, occurred as law enforcement clamped down on a protest encampment on campus. This was the second such intervention by police in less than a week at the same location.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott reaffirmed a strict no-encampment policy, which led to around 50 arrests at the site. The University of Texas police had previously issued a dispersal order, warning of possible charges ranging from disorderly conduct to obstruction.
During the operation, police utilized pepper spray, zip ties, and what was reported as a stun grenade to control and disband protesters, some of whom were chanting about the peaceful nature of their protest in contrast to the police response.
The event is part of a broader pattern of protests across the United States advocating for a ceasefire and the severance of ties with the Israel Defense Forces, with over 900 student arrests reported nationwide in related protests this month.
