On Saturday afternoon, police in riot gear cleared out pro-Palestinian protesters near the center of the University of Virginia's campus. Video footage shows a line of officers approaching the protesters, removing umbrellas, and dismantling tents and canopies. Some demonstrators were reportedly detained during the incident.
By 4 p.m. ET, the university confirmed that the situation was under control, with police still present at the scene. Earlier, the UVA Department of Safety and Security had declared the protest an 'unlawful assembly' and advised students to steer clear of the area around the Rotunda and Chapel at the campus center.
The swift police action followed tensions between the protesters and authorities, culminating in the removal of the encampment. The university's response aimed to restore order and ensure the safety of students and staff on campus.
While the exact reasons for the police intervention were not immediately disclosed, the incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by universities in managing protests and maintaining campus security.
