Pro-Palestinian Protesters Storm University of Chicago Institute of Politics Building

On the afternoon of Friday, May 17, a group of pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the Institute of Politics building at the University of Chicago. The protesters caused chaos by overturning furniture, damaging property, and confronting the institute’s director, former Senator Heidi Heitkamp. Despite demands for her to leave, Heitkamp remained in her office, with university officials confirming she was the only staff member present.

The protest spilled outside the building and continued into the evening. It is noteworthy that the institute is in close proximity to a protest encampment that was removed by the police just a week prior. The group released a statement, mentioning that their occupation aimed to denounce the university’s associations with Israel.

Bystander footage captured protesters exiting through second-floor windows, cheered on by the crowd below. Subsequently, the police cleared the building of demonstrators. However, other protesters remained outside and in neighboring yards, engaging in chants, shouts, and drumming.