Campus crackdown in US: Protest at USC ends after police made over 90 arrests

Arrests were made as pro-Palestine demonstrations turned chaotic at the University of Southern California and other universities across the US.

From California to New York, many US colleges are experiencing unruly pro-palestine agitators on Wednesday, with four schools facing disruptions in Massachusetts, California, Texas and New York.

USC public safety officers stand watch as demonstrators gather after students built a protest encampment in support of Palestinians at the University of Southern California's (USC) Alumni Park, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., April 24, 2024. REUTERS/David Swanson(REUTERS)

The University of Southern California (USC), Harvard University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) and Columbia University in New York city were all scenes with divergent reactions ranging from the threatening and chaotic to a generally hostile and disordered environment as a result of deep-seated campus opposition about the Israeli military’s measures in the Middle East.

Texas state troopers have been deployed and reportedly made dozens of arrests at the University of Texas at Austin. At USC, at least 93 arrests were made.

USC protest ends

The USC protest ended after hours of chaos, as per a social media post by the university. “The protest on the UPC has ended. However, the campus remains closed until further notice. Students, faculty, staff, and people with business on campus may enter with proper identification,” the post reads.

When police arrested agitators

During a clampdown of unlawful activity at USC on Wednesday, local cops arrested several protesters.

With hundreds of students fighting to the point that USC DSP armed officers evoked, the tensions went so high.

 

“I think the solution is to get involved, because at least I can feel like I’m doing my part. Even if it’s not enough, I’m doing the best I can to make something of it. I find peace in that," a USC student told The Guardian. 

Los Angeles Times reporter Angie Orellana Hernandez has said that USC president Carol Folt has remained silent even as tensions skyrocketed and dozens were arrested.  "I'm a bit confused as to why USC President Carol Folt has not spoken about anything of what has been happening on campus. This has been flaring up post-October 7.” Hernandez told CNN’s Anna Coren. Hernandez added that the Los Angeles Times' repeated requests to speak with the university head have been ignored.