A recent video went viral over the weekend, revealing individuals who were suspected to be members of an Arizona State University fraternity dismantling an encampment set up by anti-Israel protesters. The video showed police officers watching as a group of young men discarded tents, tarps, and other items in the school’s quad.
The incident was captured on a woman’s phone, who expressed frustration at the situation and insulted the police. The video was shared on the AZResist account on X, with a caption that stated the university and the police were using “frat boys” to destroy the camp at Old Main. The woman in the video also criticized the inaction of the police.
The fraternity of the men in the video was not identified. The protestors whose belongings were thrown away were met with online ridicule.
https://t.co/hlFinUPFwH pic.twitter.com/JHMQYPuEdV
— Prison Mitch (@MidnightMitch) April 28, 2024
According to KTVK-TV in Phoenix, 69 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were arrested on Saturday after congregating on the Arizona State campus in Tempe. The encampment, which had been set up by the protestors, was cleared by the police. The university stated that over 70 individuals have been arrested since the protests began to take place last week.
Like many colleges and universities across the country, Arizona State has seen its fair share of protests against Israel’s ongoing war with the Islamic terrorist group, Hamas. The university released a statement to KTVK, stating that encampments during protests are not allowed on school grounds. The institution also clarified that most of those arrested were not students, with only 15 of them being enrolled in classes.
Photos of some of the extremists arrested at the Arizona State University Gaza encampment on April 27. Most are not students nor faculty. https://t.co/9y56d4NaT4
Dylan Montanez
Taylor Curry
Tyler Hitte
Emma Quinlan pic.twitter.com/R8oEDoJ0ad— Andy Ngô ????️???? (@MrAndyNgo) April 28, 2024
In its statement, Arizona State expressed its respect for individuals to exercise their freedom of speech. However, the university stated that it would enforce its policies and prioritize creating a safe and secure environment that supports learning and teaching. The school emphasized that while it welcomes free expression on its campus, its primary responsibility is to ensure the well-being of its students and faculty.
The incident sparked criticism from a woman, who recorded the event and insulted the police. 69 pro-Palestinian protestors were arrested in the aftermath, while the university explained that encampments are not permitted on campus.
Arizona State also stated that it would prioritize maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment for its students, while still respecting their right to freedom of speech.