Arrests at Emory University Pro-Palestine Protest
Clashes Erupt at Emory University as Pro-Palestine Protesters and Opponents of Public Safety Training Center Face Off
In a series of tense events today, Emory University witnessed confrontations between Pro-Palestinian protesters and opponents of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. Law enforcement authorities made 28 arrests during the clashes.
Later in the evening, a small counter-protest by the Jewish community took place at Emory Village.
Atlanta cops have now ARRESTED the Chair of Emory University’s Philosophy Department for opposing the GAZA GENOCIDE! pic.twitter.com/WexIMUFn5Z
— Jackson Hinkle (@jacksonhinklle) April 25, 2024
Meanwhile, on Thursday night, hundreds of Free Palestine supporters regrouped on the Emory quad. A brief standoff ensued between them and Atlanta Police and Georgia State Patrol officers near the Candler School of Theology building.
According to social media reports, law enforcement used pepper balls to disperse the crowd, while some protesters attempted to rebuild the encampment that had been removed earlier. It remains unclear if any additional arrests were made.
The Emory Wheel reported that among the 28 individuals arrested during the morning’s pro-Palestine encampment on the quad, 20 were Emory University community members.
Emory Vice President for Public Safety, Cheryl Elliott, stated in a university-wide email, “We are working with responding agencies to expedite the release of any Emory community members who remain in custody. Our primary goal today was clearing the Quad of a disruptive encampment while holding individuals accountable to the law.”
Earlier that morning, activists from Stop Cop City and Free Palestine set up tents on the quad, demanding the university’s divestment from Israel. This encampment mirrored similar protests taking place across colleges and universities nationwide, notably at Columbia University in New York City.
By 10 a.m., the Atlanta Police Department had begun making arrests, while Emory Police restricted access to certain areas of the campus. Georgia State Patrol officers were also present.
The Emory Wheel reported the use of tear gas and tasers by the police for crowd control. As a result, Jewish Studies classes were moved to virtual meetings.
BREAKING: Georgia Police SHOOTING At Students And University Professors
Students and professors at Emory University are being shot at with rubber bullets in America, for standing against Israel.
This a foreign governments interference into universities. pic.twitter.com/QfvdjQ9R3u
— Khalissee (@Kahlissee) April 25, 2024
Amidst the chaos, protesters expressed their discontent through chants. One woman, using a megaphone, shouted, “APD, KKK, IDF, you’re all the same!” When her voice grew hoarse, a man took over, proclaiming, “From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free,” alongside other anti-Israel slogans.
Throughout the day, Atlanta Police officers made arrests, including one incident where a woman on a bike refused to yield to allow an APD vehicle to pass. Another woman screamed as officers apprehended her, carrying her to the side and placing her into a police van.
According to a statement from the Atlanta Police Department (APD), chemical irritants were used during the incidents at Emory University, but rubber bullets were not deployed as some sources had alleged. The APD statement emphasized that law enforcement was assisting Emory PD in securing the campus at the university’s request, and they encountered violence from protesters. The statement urged everyone to prioritize safety and engage in peaceful means of free speech. It also directed further inquiries to the Emory Police Department as the lead agency.
In response to the protests occurring across college campuses, Anat Sultan-Dadon, the Consul General of Israel to the Southeast, expressed her views. She criticized the demonstrations for not condemning Hamas and its acts of terror, accusing them of supporting and encouraging individuals with violent and genocidal intentions. Sultan-Dadon highlighted the intimidation, harassment, threats, and assaults faced by Jewish students throughout the United States, while urging leaders from various domains to take a clear stance against hate, antisemitism, and the support of terrorism. She emphasized that not speaking out against evil amounts to supporting it.
It is important to note that the statements provided reflect specific perspectives and viewpoints.
