Seven police officers were injured and at least 30 people were arrested at Portland State University after anti-Israel agitators occupied the library on campus. The arrests were a result of the agitators illegally entering Millar Library for a second time, despite efforts by authorities to keep it secure. The operation to clear the library began at 6 a.m. when Portland police officers established a perimeter and began telling the occupiers to leave. After numerous announcements, officers moved into the building and began a methodical clearing process, encountering barricades, vandalism, and items staged for potential assault on the officers.
The police found a heavily barricaded door on the first floor, which required significant effort to open. Four people were arrested, including one who deployed a fire extinguisher at an officer and another who tried to hit an officer with a shield. The remaining occupiers fled the area after being warned they would be arrested for trespassing. During the arrest of those individuals, a hostile crowd surrounded the transport van, prompting the Oregon State Police Mobile Response Team to be called for assistance. Some crowd members followed the van onto a freeway, leading to additional arrests. No munitions were deployed during the operation.
After the library was cleared, the university attempted to secure it with plywood and a fence, but the agitators tore it down and re-entered the building. This prompted officers to return to campus and arrest seven more people, with one person being arrested by PSU Campus Safety. Despite some arrests being made later due to high tensions, all cases will be forwarded to the Multnomah County District Attorney for prosecution. In total, seven officers were injured during the operation on campus, with the most serious injury being a knee injury that required transport to the hospital. The remaining six officers experienced minor injuries or were still being assessed.
The situation at Portland State University escalated when anti-Israel agitators occupied the library, leading to a large police response and multiple arrests. The occupiers illegally re-entered the library after it was initially cleared, resulting in a methodical clearing operation by police. The incident involved barricades, vandalism, and items staged for potential assault on officers. Despite warnings to the occupiers, arrests were made, which led to a hostile crowd surrounding the transport van.
The use of force was necessary to gain control of the situation, with pepper spray being deployed by officers. Additional arrests were made when some protesters followed the transport van onto a freeway. The university’s attempt to secure the library with plywood and a fence was unsuccessful as the agitators tore it down and re-entered the building. This prompted a further police response and additional arrests. Despite high tensions, all individuals involved will face charges that will be prosecuted by the Multnomah County District Attorney.
The incident at Portland State University highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing protests and ensuring public safety. The injuries sustained by seven officers during the operation underscore the risks involved in maintaining order during such events. The use of force was necessary to respond to the actions of the agitators, who engaged in illegal activities despite warnings from authorities. The arrests made by police and campus security demonstrate the consequences of trespassing and engaging in disruptive behavior. Overall, the situation at Portland State University serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and addressing conflicts peacefully.
