19 arrested at University of Utah during Gaza war protests
Apr 30, 2024, 9:08 AM | Updated: 3:15 pm
Tents on the University of Utah campus during a demonstration on April 29, 2024. (Clayre Scott, KSL NewsRadio)
(Clayre Scott, KSL NewsRadio)
SALT LAKE CITY– The University of Utah now reports that 19 people were arrested during Gaza war protests at the University on Monday night. Of those arrested, four people were students, one was a university employee, and 14 were unaffiliated with the university.
The University also reports that two officers received minor injuries, and that neither was hospitalized.
The university is just one of dozens of college campuses across the country where protests have occurred.
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The University of Utah Department of Public Safety issued an initial statement at 9:20 p.m. requesting students to remove any tents from the property. The department warned that any remaining tents would be removed by law enforcement.
A statement from the university addressed the Gaza war protests, saying “Students, faculty, staff, and community members, you have the right to express your viewpoint and we have heard you. You do not, however, have the right to set up structures or camp overnight. You are violating Utah state law and University of Utah free speech policy.”
The U calls in backup
According to the university, the school called in other law enforcement agencies to provide assistance around 11 p.m.
The University of Utah Police Department, Salt Lake City Police Department, Unified Police, Utah Highway Patrol, and West Valley City Police Department responded to the campus.
A statement from SLCPD said that demonstrators threw water bottles, rocks, and metal cans at officers. Makeshift weapons were also found.
Gov. Spencer Cox took to social media to address the incident. His statement said “The First Amendment does not protect violence, threats to public safety, property damage, camping or disruptions to our learning institutions. We will protect protestors and arrest those who violate the law.”
We hold dear our First Amendment rights to protest and peaceably assemble. The First Amendment does not protect violence, threats to public safety, property damage, camping or disruptions to our learning institutions. We will protect protestors and arrest those who violate the…
— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) April 30, 2024
Students from Mecha de U of U, a campus group, posted videos of law enforcement clashing with demonstrators.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Later, the group moved to the demonstrate outside of the county jail where protestors were being detained.
Tents and demonstrators were removed and classes resumed as scheduled on Tuesday morning.
Related: U of U students set up pro-Gaza encampment
