Virginia Commonwealth University has become the latest epicenter of violent protests, as pro-Hamas supporters occupied parts of the campus, leading to a tense standoff with riot police. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for all students.
The confrontation began Monday morning when a group of student protesters established what they called a “Liberation Zone” outside the James Branch Cabell Library on VCU’s Monroe Park campus. The group displayed Palestinian flags and chanted “Free Palestine,” demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and calling for VCU to sever all financial ties with Israel.
As the day progressed, tents were erected, and protesters fortified their position by forming a barrier around the zone.
As the day progressed, the situation intensified with pro-Hamas supporters occupying the library and courtyard. Police responded by deploying tear gas and pepper spray after protesters hurled objects at officers.
Social media posts showed tense standoffs between law enforcement and demonstrators, with the latter demanding that VCU disclose and divest any financial ties to Israel and protect pro-Palestinian speech on campus.
WATCH:
#BREAKING: A shelter-in-place order has been issued due to violent protests taking place at Virginia Commonwealth University, where riots are occurring⁰⁰#Richmond | #Virginia⁰⁰Currently, emergency officials have sent out a message instructing all students to… pic.twitter.com/gpbobuxmIe
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 30, 2024
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
Air-raid sirens, riot police stand off, shelter-in-place orders given.
Joe Biden’s America.
Insurgency.
Counterinsurgency. pic.twitter.com/VT5afRWbCL— Edward G. (@realEdwardG) April 30, 2024
All students at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond are instructed to shelter-in-place due to police action against the pro-Hamas rioters.
All Students are being told to Shelter-in-Place at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, due to the Police Crackdown on the Pro-Hamas Encampment on Campus which has taken over the Cabell Library Building and nearby Courtyard. pic.twitter.com/7Voz56gyUv
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) April 30, 2024
RTD News reporter Samuel B. Parker provided live updates from the scene.
The evening saw the police making multiple arrests and a trash truck arriving to clear the makeshift encampments. Despite the police’s efforts to disperse the crowd, chants continued, and the number of demonstrators reportedly grew.
“Officers have moved into position and disassembled the makeshift barricade. Pepper spray has been deployed and protesters threw bottles and other projectiles at officers.”
Officers move in. Pepper spray has been deployed and protesters threw bottles and other projectiles at officers. pic.twitter.com/4bB2h1UiSo
— Samuel B. Parker (@SamuelParkerRTD) April 30, 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
Arrests, part 3. At least six that I’ve seen, but hearing of more. Hard to breathe or count through the tear gas. pic.twitter.com/5zguB16UOh
— Samuel B. Parker (@SamuelParkerRTD) April 30, 2024
There are far more people here now than there were when this started. Can’t imagine that was the intention. pic.twitter.com/U6zIvzwalt
— Samuel B. Parker (@SamuelParkerRTD) April 30, 2024
