19 arrested, officer injured during pro-Palestine protest at University of Utah

NOTE: This story has been updated with the correct arrest numbers that were confirmed later in the day on April 30.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Overnight demonstrators gathered on the University of Utah campus to protest the ongoing conflict in Gaza, joining students at several other university campuses nationwide.

The students demanded the university divest any connection to Israel both financially and academically as well as full amnesty for students. The demonstrators set up for the night with tents, water bottles and toilet paper, which authorities said moved the protest into “unlawful assembly” territory, as U of U policy does not allow for overnight camping on campus.

“Utah college campuses around the state are not exempt from the significant unrest that currently exists in our country and world,” said U of U Cheif Safety Officer Keith Squires. “Campuses serve as a stage and forum for not just students, but for members of the community who want their voice to be heard. We honor all voices, but the right to speech on our campus must occur within the confines of state law and campus policies.”

The U of U Police, along with officers from several other agencies across the Wasatch Front, began dispersing the crowd at 11 p.m. As officers dismantled tents and removed stashes of supplies, others in the crowd broke down their own tents and drove away.

By midnight, the demonstration had been cleared and 19 protesters had been arrested.

The Salt Lake City Police Department confirmed one U of U public safety officer received minor injuries as “criminal actors” began throwing water bottles, rocks and metal cans at the officers. The U of U said a hatchet was confiscated on the scene. No protestors have reported any injuries.

SLCPD Chief Mike Brown praised the officers who were able to safely disperse the crowd without violent escalation saying they faced a “prolonged, difficult, and dangerous situation.”

“I am very proud of the professionalism and dedication of our officers,” said Brown. “Their training, experience, and capability of safely and effectively handling these cases is another example of our commitment to our community and overall public safety.”

Some protesters told ABC4.com they intend to be back on Tuesday, which the University of Utah has previously said it would support within reason.

“The University of Utah will continue to preserve and protect the right to free speech on our campus within the reasonable limits established under law,” the U said in a statement.

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