Pro-Palestinian Protesters Raided by Police at University of California, Berkeley

On the evening of Thursday, May 16, police officers carried out a raid at the University of California, Berkeley, targeting a complex that had been occupied by pro-Palestinian protesters. The officers took several individuals into custody, with a university spokesman confirming that at least 12 people were arrested, and more arrests were anticipated.

The encampment emerged at the Anna Head complex on Wednesday, subsequent to the dismantling of a larger camp earlier in the week. This action followed a tentative agreement between the demonstrators and university officials.

Police Action

On Thursday evening, around 6:30 p.m., a substantial number of officers from the California Highway Patrol and local police and sheriff’s departments surrounded the area where the protesters had gathered. Utilizing bullhorns, the officers gave the protesters a 30-minute ultimatum to disperse or face arrest.

During the raid, the officers apprehended individuals who had remained in the complex, a fire-damaged structure near People’s Park, as well as those who had set up tents outside, displaying Palestinian flags and spray-painting the area.