Chicago, IL - Tensions flared in Chicago yesterday as American police dismantled a pro-Palestinian sit-in at DePaul University, prompting a surge of demonstrators in support of the Palestinian cause near the university.
The sit-in, which had been ongoing for several days, was reportedly broken up after a small group of students barricaded themselves inside a lecture hall. University officials, who had initially tolerated the peaceful encampment despite violating campus policies, called in police after attempts to negotiate failed.
News of the arrests sparked outrage, with hundreds of students and community members gathering near DePaul in solidarity with Palestine. Chants of "Free Palestine" and "End the Occupation" echoed through the streets as demonstrators waved Palestinian flags.
The exact number of arrests remains unclear, with reports suggesting some were for trespassing, while the majority were apprehended for failing to disperse after a police order.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly on American college campuses. DePaul's move to dismantle the sit-in comes amidst a rise in student activism advocating for Palestinian rights.
