UT, Get Woke: Students Protest for Gun Control, University Plans Felony Charge Response

UT plans to file felony gun charge against person arrested in Monday's protest

The University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) plans to file "at least one" felony gun charge in relation to a pro-Palestinian protest on campus this Monday, where 79 people were arrested, the majority for criminal trespassing. This comes days after the University originally claimed guns were seized from protesters, a statement that caused concern when no weapons or assault charges were seen by the County Attorney's office.

While UT spokesperson Brian Davis remained tight-lipped on the details, he confirmed that the charge would be a third-degree felony and that UTPD is in communication with the Travis County DA's office.

Travis County Attorney Delia Garza expressed concern Thursday that her office had seen no weapons or assault charges, and that arrest affidavits from UT police made no mention of firearms. UT spokesperson Mike Rosen responded, clarifying that felony charges are handled by the DA's office, not the County Attorney.

The guns allegedly confiscated from protesters have sparked controversy, with questions arising about the validity of UT's claims and the threat posed by the protesters. UT has yet to provide transparency on the timeline of the charges, citing an "ongoing investigation."

With tensions running high, it's important to scrutinize the actions of law enforcement and hold them accountable for their treatment of protesters, especially in light of the recent withdrawal of a felony charge against a photojournalist, Carlos Sanchez, who was wrongfully accused of assaulting an officer.

https://www.utexas.edu/campus-carry - Concealed carry of firearms is allowed on UT's campus with a license.

https://secure4.compliancebridge.com/utexas/public/getdoc.php?file=8-1060 - Partially or fully visible carry is prohibited in most areas.

https://www.kut.org/crime-justice/2024-05-02/ut-says-pro-palestinian-demonstrators-carried-guns-and-assaulted-people-prosecutors-beg-to-differ - County Attorney Delia Garza expresses concern over lack of weapons charges seen by her office.