Pro-Palestine protesters return to George Washington University day after police break up encampment
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Pro-Palestine protesters returned to George Washington University (GW) Thursday night in a stand-off with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers.
MPD said that one person was arrested during Thursday’s protest.
Protesters began marching at around 5 p.m. in the area of H Street at 21st Street NW before making their way right outside of George Washington University President Ellen Granberg’s office at 19th and F Street NW.
Protesters linked arms, forming a line across from police. They continued to chant “Free, free Palestine.” Several tents were pitched along F Street.
This comes a day after MPD moved in to clear the pro-Palestine encampment from the campus in the early hours of Wednesday. Police said 33 demonstrators were arrested.
“We’re currently in front of the administration’s office, telling them that we will stay here until they immediately divest from a genocide,” said Salina, a protester who said she was amongst those arrested Wednesday. “Yesterday was brutal. [Police] took away canes from disabled students, they arrested students while having a panic attack – it was completely disgusting.”
MPD confirmed to DC News Now on Friday morning that the main group of demonstrators dispersed after police warnings around 11:30 p.m. A smaller group branched off and marched to 21st and H streets NW. Around 12:15 a.m., officers arrested one person for assault on a police officer.
MPD said that all of the protestors had since dispersed and all roads had reopened.