A university in California called in police to restore order after days of unrest on campus caused by anti-Israel protesters dent, and later occupied two academic buildings.
California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, or simply Cal Poly Humboldt, condemned “disorderly behavior” when protesters occupied Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East and called on law enforcement to take action.
On Tuesday, shortly after 2:30 a.m., law enforcement officers arrested 35 individuals as they conducted an operation to clear and secure the two buildings, as well as the surrounding area. The university said the arrests occurred without incident and no injuries were reported.
“Law enforcement action was necessary at Cal Poly Humboldt To restore order in the premises,Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsel said, “When someone commits a crime and violates the rights of others, it is necessary for law enforcement to step in. I am grateful to the agencies and officers who responded to bring safety back to our campus. Contributed to.” , I understand the widespread frustration caused by the campus closures, threatening behavior, and chaos that we have seen over the past week. “By restoring order, we have sent a clear message that the criminal and dangerous activities we experienced were not peaceful protests, but outright criminal behavior, which is unacceptable.”
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Anti-Israel protesters at the University of Southern California Alumni Park in Los Angeles on April 24, 2024. (Reuters/Zaydi Sanchez)
The university’s statement said the purpose of the operation was to “establish control over the site, protect the rights, safety and health of students and staff, eliminate the threat of violence and criminal behavior, and re-establish control over buildings and other property.” Had to do.” ,
Cal Poly Humboldt President Tom Jackson Jr. called Tuesday a “tough day” and said the dozens of arrests “breaks my heart to see.”
“It’s a tough day, it breaks my heart to see it, and really no one wanted to see things come to this point. We’ve all watched it with great concern, and always with this true hope That this will be resolved peacefully.” Jackson said in Tuesday’s statement. “Unfortunately, serious criminal activity that crossed the line far beyond the level of protest placed the campus at continued risk.”
The university president also praised the law enforcement officers and faculty.
“I commend the law enforcement team for their effort in resolving this dangerous situation, and I am incredibly grateful to the multiple agencies who advised us and who came to our aid in our time of need. I am also extremely grateful to the many staff members who went above and beyond their normal duties to help us maintain the safety and operations of the facility,” he said. It’s been about doing what we could, and we were very patient and very disciplined about it.”
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Cal Poly Humboldt said Tuesday that the work to reclaim the school’s academic buildings was carried out by Unified Command, a law enforcement group with personnel from across California led by Sheriff Honsal and University Police Department Chief Peter Kress .
Protesters push officers as tempers flare during an anti-Israel protest on the University of Southern California campus in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
In the statement, Kress similarly said he appreciated the various law enforcement departments involved in securing the campus.
“The University Police Department is extremely grateful to the local and statewide agencies that supported our campus during this event. This support was critical in restoring an environment on campus where learning and work can occur safely. UPD is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for learning.” Committed to an environment where everyone can be heard without breaking the law, Kress said.
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The arrested activists face various charges including unlawful assembly, vandalism, conspiracy, assault on police officers and others, the university said, adding that any accused university employee “may face disciplinary action.”
scheduled for university keep its premises closed Till 10th May.
Anti-Israel students were occupying two academic buildings on the Cal Poly Humboldt campus, Siemens Hall and Nelson Hall East. (California State University/Facebook)
Law enforcement officials will continue to closely monitor the campus during this time.
On Tuesday, the White House condemned violent protests at Columbia University in New York after protesters took over an academic building.
National security communications adviser John Kirby said, “The President believes that forcibly occupying a building on the campus is absolutely the wrong approach.” “This is not an example of peaceful protest. And, of course, hate speech and symbols of hate have no place in this country.”
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He said: “A small percentage of students should not be able to disrupt the educational experience. The rest of the student body should be able to do so without disruption to students who legitimately study, pay to go to school, and seek an education.” They should be able to do it and feel safe doing it and they certainly deserve to be able to graduate and attend graduation ceremonies so it’s rare to see these protesters. take by force A building on campus. And as I have just reiterated, that is inconsistent with the idea of peaceful protest.”
Fox News’ Michael Lundin contributed to this report.
