Police clash with anti-Israel protesters at Virginia Commonwealth University
RICHMOND, Va. (TND) — Video circulating social media Tuesday shows chaotic scenes from a night of protesting at Virginia Commonwealth University.
The school is one of several across the country experiencing upheaval over continued fighting in the Middle East as the academic year draws to a close. The demonstrations have even prompted federal lawmakers to introduce legislation intended to empower the U.S. Department of Education to monitor antisemitism at colleges receiving federal funding.
Police arrived on VCU’s campus round 8:30 p.m. Monday as hundreds of protesters gathered to form an encampment. Students held large banners and chanted “free Palestine” as officers dressed in riot gear looked on.
Video shows officers charging the protesters to disburse their encampment. Officers in the clip used riot shields to push their way through the crowd. A voice in the video yells “oh my God, they’re pepper spraying people.”
Many protesters were arrested after police moved in on the demonstration, according to WWBT.
VCU took to X following the melee, claiming the protest mostly involved individuals not enrolled at the school.
“While supporting an environment that fosters protected speech and expressive activity, VCU must maintain an atmosphere free of disruption to the university’s mission,” VCU added.
In a 1:00 a.m. post, Gov. Glenn Youngkin shared support for the law enforcement officials who responded to the demonstration.
Across the Commonwealth we’ve seen student and significant non-student participants, throw projectiles at law enforcement, violate the policies of our colleges and universities, obstruct and disrupt student life and endanger public safety,” Gov. Youngkin wrote. “After repeated warnings and refusal to disperse, law enforcement must protect Virginians. My administration will continue to fully support campus, local and state law enforcement and university leadership to keep our campuses safe.”The protests have even drawn criticism from some left-leaning figures. Comedian Bill Maher last week condemned such displays, saying the individuals involved appear “privilege-y.”
He went on to blame “social justice warriors” for accusing Israel of apartheid while overlooking the mistreatment of women and members of the LGBT community in many Middle Eastern nations.
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