Protesters camp on UT-Austin campus.

Students chant "Free Palestine" as they set up camp on UT's South Mall

With chants of "Free Palestine," students formed a surprise encampment at the University of Texas on Monday afternoon, chanting, "Whose lawn? Our lawn!" This escalation comes after 57 people were arrested last Wednesday for criminal trespassing; all charges were dropped due to "deficiencies" in the arrest affidavits. The encampment, in solidarity with other universities, calls for divestment from Israeli weapons manufacturers and a ceasefire in Gaza, where over 30,000 have died due to Israeli bombardment.

At least 43 arrested, including students

By 5 p.m., at least 43 people had been arrested, including students. Georgina Bermudez, a senior, said she was pepper-sprayed while trying to stop a van transporting arrestees. She described chaos as students scattered without warning. Those arrested face unclear charges, but UT police cited violations of Texas laws related to disorderly conduct, riots, obstruction, and criminal trespass.

Group forcefully removed, rocks found

By 4 p.m., the South Lawn was cleared. Gov. Abbott confirmed no encampments would be permitted. UT issued a statement claiming online threats were made by protest organizers, though no group was named. UT also alleges protesters verbally and physically assaulted staff, and "baseball-sized rocks" were found in the camp. Most protesters are believed to be unaffiliated with the university.

Heavy police presence, dispersal orders given

Around 2 p.m., DPS troopers, UT, and Austin police arrived, forming a circle around the camp. Protesters had created a barrier with chained tables. Police used bolt cutters and force to remove them. UT police issued dispersal orders via text and verbally, stating people could be arrested for rioting, obstruction, or criminal trespass. The orders drew more attention, with student Carl Manning-Stott saying, "it's like UTPD is sending up a flare."

https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2023/01/23/ut-austin-protests-free-palestine-south-mall-west-mall-arrests-pepper-spray/6160595001/