U of M students decry arrest of 11 pro-Palestinian protesters

MINNEAPOLIS — Demonstrations at the University of Minnesota are expected to continue Tuesday in support of the 11 pro-Palestinian protesters who were arrested while temporarily occupying an administrative building on campus. 
Monday afternoon’s protest was organized by UMN Students for a Democratic Society, which is demanding the university end its policy of institutional neutrality and divest from companies that support Israel in the war in Gaza. In August, after weeks of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus, the Board of Regents declined to meet the demands.
At 4:39 p.m. the university sent out an alert saying protesters entered Morrill Hall. Later, officials said protesters spray painted security cameras and barricaded the building’s entrance and exit points. Staff who were in the building “were not able to exit,” the university said. 
On Tuesday, Students for a Democratic Society said “anyone who wanted to leave or enter the hall could do so safely and was actively pointed to the correct exits.”
University police and Hennepin County Sheriff’s deputies entered the hall from the tunnels underneath the building and arrested 11 students and alumni around 5:40 p.m., university officials said.  
Those arrested — who range in age from 18 to 26 — are currently in custody, held on probable cause charges including riot, trespassing and damage to property. One person is held on probable cause fourth-degree assault, according to the student group.
“We are willing to risk nights in jail to get [the university] to honor their commitments to students and divest from Israel,” said Juliet Murphy, press representative for Students for a Democratic Society. 
Organizers said that if there was any property damage, it was to protect students from police. They also demanded that no charges be brought against the 11 people who were arrested.
WCCO will have reports from Tuesday’s rally. Check back for more information. 
Note: The above video first aired on Oct. 21, 2024.