For the second time in less than a week, agitators claiming to oppose alleged Israeli “genocide” disrupted operations at the University of Texas, demanding the university “divest” from investments with Israeli ties.
Monday’s activities began as “protestors” attempted to erect an encampment on the university’s south lawn. This is illegal under House Bill 1925, a 2021 measure originally designed to counter homeless camping. This led to a swift response from officers of the Department of Public Safety, who had been prepositioned to back up the university’s police department.
According to a statement released by the university, “After protestors ignored repeated directives from both the administration and law enforcement officers to comply with Institutional Rules and remove tents assembled on the University’s South Lawn, then physically engaged with and verbally assaulted Dean of Students staff who attempted to confiscate them, UT and partner law enforcement agencies dismantled an encampment and arrested several protestors. Baseball-sized rocks were found strategically placed within the encampment. The majority of protestors are believed to be unaffiliated with the university.”
The university’s statement goes on to claim that they received “extensive online threats” over the weekend and details how over a dozen non-violent events over similar subject matters have transpired since October.
Monday’s incident began around 2 p.m. Texas Scorecard came upon the scene around 4 p.m. We observed demonstrators cursing out police officers, calling them Nazis, spitting on them, and throwing water bottles. Despite the difficult circumstances, officers were universally calm and professional. While Texas Scorecard did observe two instances of officers using pepper spray, it was obviously done in self-defense.
We did capture video of the crowd comparing Austin police officers and Israeli military forces to the Ku Klux Klan.
Shortly after, the mob rushed police as they chanted, “Off our campus.”
Notably, while the chant in this video is PG-rated, afterward, the mob substituted “FU fascists” (but using the full vulgarity) as they came at officers.
AUSTIN, TX: Protesters chanting “F… you Fascists.” pic.twitter.com/r8yNf7CfJH
— The Texas Horn (@thetexashorn) April 29, 2024
Shortly after, they attempted to impede a bus carrying police officers off campus.
People have blocked a bus trying to exit the University of Texas’ campus. pic.twitter.com/RWFLndF0CY
— Grace Reader (@GraceReaderTV) April 29, 2024
As far as throwing water at officers goes, Texas Scorecard did not observe this specific incident seen below; however, we did observe several incidents of a similar nature and can confirm this was a regular occurrence.
Going through videos.
This video from KXAN intern (and UT student) Taryn Jones. Shows protesters throwing what appears to be water on law enforcement at today’s protest.
We’re still waiting outside the jail now for people who were arrested to be released. Could be a while. pic.twitter.com/8Em5NxuBO7
— Grace Reader (@GraceReaderTV) April 29, 2024
According to press reports, around 100 people were arrested at today’s events. Notably, many were not UT students.
While today’s events were certainly chaotic, they were also relatively contained. Business as usual continued on 95 percent of the campus even as these events transpired.
