A peaceful pro-Palestinian protest at Emory University turned ugly after police violently arrested activists.
According to Fox 5 Atlanta, individuals gathered on Thursday (April 25) to show their support for Palestine. However, they were then confronted with Tasers, tear gas and pepper spray.
RELATED: UPDATE: Gaza receives first round of air aid from US
Protesters vs. police
The demonstrators included teachers, students and non-students. The group reportedly consisted of “several universities and community members in Atlanta” Mondowiess reports. Individuals set up tents and signs on the Decatur campus lawn.
Officers told protesters they had 60 seconds to leave or they would be arrested, but people stood their ground, according to FOX 5. Chaos ensued. Georgia State Patrol and Atlanta Police Department officers used force to disperse the crowd. Some people were insulted and others were pepper sprayed. Tear gas was also used. Some protesters cried as their wrists were zip-tied. A man was also carried off campus by three officers.
Both faculty and students have been arrested, but it is unknown how or if charges will be filed against them. The demonstrators gathered around transport vehicles containing other detainees. After police left, protesters gathered in various areas of campus.
Why did protesters show up on Emory’s campus?
According to Mondowiess, the individuals came together not only to show support for Palestine, but also to protest the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, which many refer to as “Cop City.” Protesters said Emory was chosen for the rally site because of the institution’s alleged attempt to silence students who speak out against Israel. Additionally, activists claim that the school reportedly supports the Palestinian genocide and the new police facility. Protesters claim that “Cop City” is linked to the Srali Urban Warfare Training Center, also called “Mini Gaza.” This facility reportedly received $45 million in American funding. Activists claim that the training centers are testing tactics that are used against marginalized people. In addition to the black and brown communities in Atlanta, this also includes Palestine.
The activists said they were “Demanding complete institutional abandonment of Israeli apartheid and ‘Cop City’ at all Atlanta colleges and universities.”
The university speaks
The vice president of the University of Communications at Emory University released a statement about the protest.
It read, “Several dozen protesters entered the Emory University campus early Thursday morning and set up tents on the Quad. These individuals are not members of our community.”
The statement continued: “They are activists trying to disrupt our university while our students are finishing their courses and preparing for final exams. Emory does not tolerate vandalism or other criminal activity on campus. Emory police ordered the group to leave and contact Atlanta police for help.”
Watch police forcefully remove protesters below:
RELATED: At least 100 people were fatally shot as they tried to access food from aid trucks in Gaza