With radical far left protests continuing despite a deadline at Columbia University, another encampment popped up on the University of Texas Austin. State Troopers arrived and made multiple arrests before dispersing the encampment.
The University of Texas at Austin released a statement regarding the protest:
"After protesters ignored repeated directives from both the administration and law enforcement officers to comply with Institutional Rules and remove tents assembled on the University’s South Lawn, then physically engaged with and verbally assaulted Dean of Students staff who attempted to confiscate them, UT and partner law enforcement agencies dismantled an encampment and arrested several protesters. Baseball size rocks were found strategically placed within the encampment. The majority of protesters are believed to be unaffiliated with the university.
On Saturday, the University received extensive online threats from a group organizing today’s protest. These threats have been reported to local, state and federal law-enforcement. Since October and prior to April 24, no fewer than 13 pro-Palestinian free speech events were held on the UT campus, and four since then, largely without incident. The university will continue to support the free speech and assembly rights of our community while also enforcing its Institutional Rules."
The gathering started at around 11am when a group of students & activists formed a human shield to protect them from being arrested from police. Students hoped to reestablish an encampment on the campus’s South Lawn, renamed the Liberated Zone. Students then barricaded themselves with tents, tables and chairs. About a dozen campus police arrived on the scene before the State Troopers were called.
Shortly after, UTPD officials issued a warning to disperse:
UTPD Notice of Dispersal Order
For those participating in the South Mall event,
I am Assistant Chief Shane Streepy and I represent the University of Texas at Austin Police Department. Your conduct is in violation of Penal Code Sections 42.01 Disorderly Conduct. I command you in the name of the University of Texas Police Department to disperse, and if you do not, you shall be arrested for Violation of Penal Code Section 42.01 Disorderly Conduct.
Multiple arrests were made, and even Governor Greg Abbott weighed in on X, posting: "No encampments will be allowed. Instead, arrests are being made."