Police and pro-Palestine protesters clashed Monday night after officers tried to clear a makeshift encampment on the lawn outside the James Branch Cabell Library on VCU’s Monroe Park campus, pitching tents in what they called a “liberation zone" and demanding an immediate end to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
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A bus filled with police in riot gear — shields, helmets and zip ties — arrives at the site of the VCU pro-Palestine protest at about 8:30 p.m. Monday. Demonstrators demanded an immediate end to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
VCU student Sereen Haddad speaks about a pro-Palestine demonstration at VCU, Monday, April 29, 2024.
.@GovernorVA on campus protests: ‘We will protect the ability to peacefully express yourself, but we're not going to have the kinds of hate speech and intimidation that we're seeing across the country in Virginia.’ pic.twitter.com/7bbHh0PzWk
— State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) April 28, 2024
Police arrive at VCU student protest of Hamas-Israel war by Cabel Library on April 29, 2024
Final exams begin this week and VCU must provide students the opportunity to safely and successfully complete the semester. The gathering violated several university policies. pic.twitter.com/Kj13WtI4TM
— VCU (@VCU) April 30, 2024
Demonstrators and law enforcement officers clash during a pro-Palestine rally at VCU, Monday, April 29, 2024.
A demonstrator preparing for police to arrive stands behind a sign during a pro-Palestine rally at VCU on April 29.
Demonstrators and law enforcement officers clash during a pro-Palestine rally at VCU, Monday, April 29, 2024.
“You don’t have to do this,” protesters are shouting. “You’re on the wrong side of history.” pic.twitter.com/ppYSrGFgDC
— Samuel B. Parker (@SamuelParkerRTD) April 30, 2024
A demonstrator yells at law enforcement officers during a pro-Palestine rally at VCU, Monday, April 29, 2024.
VCU student Sereen Haddad asks demonstrators to disperse during a pro-Palestine rally at VCU on April 29. The night ended with a violent confrontation between police and protesters, 13 arrests and dozens of injuries.
Gallery: VCU students set up ‘Liberation Zone’ on campus
VCU students demonstrate in front of the James Branch Cabell Library on April 29, 2024, in Richmond, Va.
VCU Student Selma leads a chant during a pro-Palestine demonstration on campus, Monday, April 29, 2024.
Banners and flags blow in the wind during a pro-Palestine demonstration on VCU’s campus, Monday, April 29, 2024.
VCU student Sereen Haddad leads a chant during a pro-Palestine demonstration on campus, Monday, April 29, 2024.
VCU Student Selma leads a chant during a pro-Palestine demonstration on campus, Monday, April 29, 2024.
VCU student Ashc holds up a sign during a pro-Palestine demonstration on VCU’s campus, Monday, April 29, 2024.
VCU student Adobe spray paints words on the shirt of fellow VCU student J.Z. during a pro-Palestine demonstration on campus, Monday, April 29, 2024.
VCU student Ashc holds up a sign during a pro-Palestine demonstration on VCU’s campus, Monday, April 29, 2024.
A demonstrator posts a sign during a pro-Palestine demonstration on VCU’s campus, Monday, April 29, 2024.
VCU Student Sereen Haddad speaks to a gathered crowd during a pro-Palestine demonstration on campus, Monday, April 29, 2024.
Wagons hold gear during a pro-Palestine demonstration on campus, Monday, April 29, 2024.
A demonstrator posts a sign during a pro-Palestine demonstration on VCU’s campus, Monday, April 29, 2024.
VCU Student Selma leads a chant during a pro-Palestine demonstration on campus, Monday, April 29, 2024.
Sereen Haddad walks through the “liberation zone” in front of the James Branch Cabell Library on VCU’s Monroe Park campus in Richmond on Monday. Dozens of pro-Palestine protesters gathered on the lawn outside the library on Monday morning to establish what they called a “liberation zone” and demand an immediate end to Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
Aviva Albert paints a sign that says “anti-Zionist Jews for a free Palestine” in the “liberation zone.” Wagons of tents were present and protesters brought food, water and tarps.
