On Monday night, police at a pro-Palestine job encampment rally at Virginia Commonwealth University threw rocks at officers as protesters hurled items at them.
” Richmond Times- Transport writers at the garden described a chaotic picture, starting at around 8: 30 p. m., of activists hurling things at the officers. Soldiers, some in rebellion products, were seen spraying some sort of chemical adviser to disperse the crowd. Witnesses said officers made some arrests”, the paper reported.
A series of videos, including those that show the officers attempting to break down the camp while protesters chanted and sometimes pushed back, were posted on X by Samuel Parker, a breaking news writer for the Times-Dispatch.
Round 2. a lot more savage. photograph. twitter.com/G2Y3ep1KnK
— Samuel B. Parker ( @SamuelParkerRTD ) April 30, 2024
A line of officers wearing riot gear press into the sealed crowd in a longer video that the Richmond Times-Dispatch has posted. The crowd’s members violently protest and fail to separate or follow orders.
The Lt. Gov. of Virginia, Winsome Earle- Sears, posted on X later Monday that when a” ‘ peaceful protest ‘ causes intense anxiety, and becomes aggressive, there is nothing calm about it. This path has previously been taken by Black people when, according to history. We will NOT back those who make Jews think incomprehensibly.
When” a relaxing rally” causes extreme worry, and becomes aggressive, there is nothing calm about it. This path has previously been taken by Black people when, according to record. We will NOT back those who make Immigrants feeling utterly terrified. https ://t.co/oW0ilMKOFW
— Lt. Governor of Virginia – Winsome Earle- Sears ( @WinsomeSears ) April 30, 2024
VCU claimed in a speech to ABC News that the “gathering violated some school policies. VCU respectfully and repeatedly provided options for those involved — many of whom were no pupils — to gather their things and depart.
” Those who did not leave were subject to arrest for trespassing. While supporting an environment that fosters protected speech and expressive exercise, VCU may maintain an atmosphere free of disturbance to the school’s mission”, it added.
The protest had already begun on Monday when students had set up a alleged “liberation zone.” Tents were put up as the demonstrators” created a barrier around the zone,” according to WRIC Virginia.
The VCU student protesters are reportedly demanding that the university declare support for a permanent and immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war and condemn the United States ‘” complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza,” according to the news station.
MORE: UCLA becomes hotbed of anti- Israel hate
IMAGE: 1000 Words/ Shutterstock
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