Police arrest 33 people while clearing pro-Palestinian tent encampment at DC university

Police clear a pro-Palestinian tent encampment at George Washington University and arrest 33 demonstrators, hours after dozens marched to the home of the school’s president.

District of Columbia police say officers moved to disperse demonstrators because “there has been a gradual escalation in the volatility of the protest.” It says 33 arrests were made, including for assault on a police officer and unlawful entry. Some protesters were pepper-sprayed as police blocked them from the camp.

George Washington University had warned of possible suspensions for continuing the camp on University Yard. Protesters carrying signs that read, “Free Palestine” and “Hands off Rafah” also marched to school president Ellen Granberg’s home last night.

“While the university is committed to protecting students’ rights to free expression, the encampment had evolved into an unlawful activity, with participants in direct violation of multiple university policies and city regulations,” a school statement says.

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and District of Columbia’s Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith were called to testify this afternoon at the Republican-led House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, but the hearing was canceled after the arrests.