GOP leaders call for DC, Metropolitan police to remove encampment at George Washington University

WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — GOP leaders are calling on D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Police Chief Pamela Smith to remove a pro-Palestine encampment from George Washington University.

In a joint letter sent Tuesday, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and Congressman James Comer criticized the District.

“We are alarmed by reports that the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia rejected requests from officials at GWU to assist in removing the radical, antisemitic, and unlawful protesters who have encamped on the university’s campus,” the letter said in part.

“If the District of Columbia and MPD refuse to exercise their authority to assist GWU in securing the safety of its students and faculty, Congress will be obliged to exercise its legislative powers to do so,” the letter continued.

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Both Smith and Bowser did not provide comment to DC News Now regarding the contents of that letter, but noted that they are monitoring the first amendment activity.

Protestors have been camped out at University Yard for six days. The group, which includes students from various DMV universities, is demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and for the university to divest from any companies that are helping fund the Israel-Hamas war.

So far, MPD has primarily remained on the outskirts of the encampment. There have been no violent altercations between police and protesters. However, earlier this week protesters did remove metal fencing placed around University Yard and threw it in a pile in the middle of the grounds, expanding access for the encampment.

Protests have not remained peaceful on other campuses across the country.

Police have made arrests at the University of Texas, New York University, Columbia University and more.

“It’s important to note the right to protest and the right to freedom of speech is a cherished right,” said Graham Piro, with FIRE or Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

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The nonpartisan non-profit fights for the freedom of speech and expression on college campuses and elsewhere.

Piro said for police and universities, deciding how to respond is a balancing act.

“We have seen over the past week or so several instances of protests crossing from peaceful protests into some sort of disruptive or potentially unprotected protest,” he said.  “When that happens, universities and colleges do have an obligation and responsibility to ensure that campus can continue to function and maintain a physically safe environment on campus.”

So far, he said that hasn’t happened at GWU.

“[At GWU] the police appear to be doing the right thing, standing by the rights to protest, to express themselves peacefully and making sure they’re not escalating the situation needlessly,” he said.

A spokesperson for MPD said the department does not comment on operational tactics and procedures.

“The George Washington University [GWU] Police Department has the lead in the response to first amendment demonstrations occurring on GWU grounds. Since Thursday, MPD has stood in support of its response,” the spokesperson said.

Demonstrations are also occurring on public spaces adjacent to the university. MPD will continue to monitor this first amendment activity, both on and off GWU property. This activity has remained peaceful.”

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Likewise, Bowser said the District has developed strategies in policing first amendment activity.

“We support peaceful protests, and I rely on the Metropolitan Police Department and their experience and expertise to decide what types of interventions are necessary. Of course, we will not tolerate violence of any kind; we will monitor and ensure access to streets, parks, and safe and sanitary conditions; and we will continue to be supportive of universities or other private entities who need help,” said the Mayor in a statement.

A spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office said Bowser did meet with officials from the university today. They did not disclose what was discussed during that meeting.

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