The police are continuing their investigation into the evictions and arrests of students involved in protests against the war in Gaza that have been taking place at around thirty American universities for several weeks. The police have dismantled encampments set up by protesters at the University of Texas and Fordham University in New York, leading to dozens of arrests. Columbia University has also been affected by intense student demonstrations.
At the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA), police intervened to dismantle barricades erected by pro-Palestinian students, leading to the arrest of several protesters. Reports indicate that the police used rubber bullets on protesters during the intervention. The US president, Joe Biden, stated that while there is a right to protest in the USA, causing chaos is not acceptable.
In Massachusetts, students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology blocked an avenue near the campus in Cambridge. At various universities across the country, including the University of California and the University of Wisconsin, clashes and arrests have occurred as a result of protests related to the Gaza conflict. Some students have criticized police behavior during these incidents.
In New York, Mayor Eric Adams attributed the tensions to “outside agitators,” while Columbia students denied outside involvement in the protests. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also weighed in on the situation, accusing the US of limiting democracy due to its support for Israel. The protests have put President Joe Biden in a difficult position, as he has faced criticism from demonstrators for his stance on the Gaza conflict.
The events in the US have drawn international attention and criticism, with various forums discussing the reselling market, managing inventory, and other topics unrelated to the protests. The police interventions and student protests have sparked a larger debate about freedom of expression and the right to protest in the country.