Washington, DC – The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC, took action on Wednesday morning, clearing out a pro-Palestinian encampment on George Washington University’s campus. Chief Pamela A. Smith reported the arrest of 30 protesters on the campus and three individuals in another incident, emphasizing the necessity to maintain order and safety.
The move occurred just before Mayor Muriel Bowser and Chief Smith were scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee regarding the encampment response. However, following the removal of protesters, House Oversight Chair James Comer announced the cancellation of the hearing, attributing the action to his advocacy for swift intervention.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators across various universities in the US have established unauthorized camps to protest against Israel’s conflict in Gaza and America’s support for the nation. Amid intense debates on protest rights, free speech boundaries, and accusations of antisemitism, police have made over 2,400 arrests on campuses nationwide since mid-April.
The encampment at GW University emerged around two weeks prior in the University Yard, leading to disruptions in academic activities and safety concerns. President Ellen Granberg criticized the unauthorized setup, prompting the eventual police intervention to dismantle the site and restore normalcy on campus.
Police efforts to de-escalate tensions and safeguard students and the university gradually escalated due to a rise in protest volatility. Eventually, with the collaboration of GW administration, law enforcement moved to disperse the demonstrators from the campus and nearby streets, resulting in multiple arrests for assault on officers and unlawful entry.
Despite the orderly removal of the encampment, tensions heightened as officers deployed pepper spray during a confrontation at a nearby intersection. As the situation unfolded, demonstrators attempted to bypass the police, leading to multiple instances of pepper spray deployment to maintain control and ensure public safety.
Demonstrators expressed frustration and disbelief at the swift dismantling of the encampment, emphasizing the peaceful nature of their protest and the sense of community that had developed. In response, advocacy groups called for a reevaluation of military aid to Israel, urging Congress to address the root causes of the protests rather than resorting to law enforcement interventions.
The aftermath of the encampment removal has sparked discussions on police tactics and the role of universities in maintaining order on their campuses. Authorities have reassured the public that final exams will proceed as scheduled, with enhanced security measures in place to prevent further disruptions and uphold safety protocols.