CHICAGO (WLS) — On Friday afternoon, pro-Palestinian demonstrators occupied the University of Chicago Institute of Politics building.
Officers from the University of Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Police Department also responded to the scene.
The protests were mostly peaceful and took place during U of C’s busy alumni weekend. Demonstrators say they plan to stay here overnight.
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Demonstrators unfurled large banners with demands such as “Liberate Palestine,” “Abolish Universities,” and “Decolonize Chicago 2 Palestine.” Demonstrators, waving Palestinian flags, climbed onto covered patios and in some cases pitched tents.
On Friday afternoon, the University of Chicago Institute of Politics building was besieged by pro-Palestinian protesters.
The demonstrators said in a press release that they were made up of U of C students, alumni and community members. The university said in a statement: “The demonstrators attempted to bar entry, damage university property, and ignore instructions from the university.” [university police] To clear the way…UCPD officers were able to enter the building and protesters inside the building left. ”
Former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp was in her office in the building preparing for a pre-scheduled live, unrelated interview with ABC News Live when a group came in. She had no harm done to her.
At one point, a makeshift barricade of chairs was set up at the back of the building, where students stood in rows with their arms linked. Tents were also set up on the premises.
The University of Chicago’s student newspaper, The Chicago Maroon, reported that the rally began with a rally and march on campus, with some marchers entering the IOP building, locking doors and spray painting security cameras. It was reported that it ended.
Counter-demonstrations also took part in the protest. The national anthem was played in a nearby building, and some people gathered with Israeli flags, as the takeover was taking place across the street from the Jewish Student Center.
“It brings a lot of fear for no reason. It feels like they can’t accomplish what they think they’re going to accomplish at this point,” said Hyde Park resident Ryan McDowell.
University of Chicago Police cleared the encampment off the Quad a week and a half ago. At that time, the camp had been there for several days. Organizers said they would continue to push for schools to divest from companies that benefit Israel, but the group’s faculty advisor said organizers were not involved in the action.
“I was surprised when the incident happened. I wasn’t surprised that it happened. A lot of people are really angry at the university,” said Karrie Meidhoff, a professor at the University of Chicago and a member of the Palestine School of Justice. ” he said.
Protest organizers declined requests for on-camera interviews, but said in a press release that they intended to set up another encampment on the Quad. So far, nothing like that has happened and the presence of visible security has been confirmed.
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