Police use tear gas to break up UA protest
TUCSON — For the second time this month, protesters gathered by the university’s main gate to build an encampment supporting Gaza.
And for the second time, tension rose in the late-night hours and law enforcement again used chemical irritants and rubber bullets to break up a gathering of about 100 protesters. State troopers were among the law enforcement agencies deployed to the scene.
Convocations and graduation celebrations were in full swing at the university Thursday, with the big commencement ceremony scheduled Friday.
What began as a small gathering at Catalina Park about 5 p.m. grew to 200 people as protesters walked a few blocks to the university.
Faculty with signs saying “Keeping students safe” led the march. Carol Brochin, a UA faculty member and the media liaison for the faculty group, told The Arizona Republic at least two faculty members were arrested.
Students Against Apartheid, the group that organized the encampment, condemned the university’s treatment of student protesters and demanded the university release a public statement calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and asked that the university divest from companies profiting off the conflict.
By 7:30 p.m., protesters had built a wall of wooden pallet boards, held together with nails and zip ties. The makeshift wall surrounded a dozen tents.
As they began to build their encampment, protest organizers said they had been told not to return to campus after an encampment and subsequent protest
May 1 that resulted in violent clashes with law enforcement.
At 11:45 p.m., UA police and law enforcement from other agencies in riot gear lined up across from the encampment, inching forward and telling the crowd to leave. They threatened to use tear gas, pepper spray and pepperspray balls on the remaining protesters. At that point, UA administration had given those in the encampment at least two warnings to disperse.
“We want you to leave peacefully,” police told protesters through a loudspeaker.
“This is peaceful, go away,” chanted faculty members in response to the police presence.
Another line of law enforcement officers, also in riot gear, quietly approached the encampment from another side as two tactical law enforcement trucks drove down Park Avenue toward the university’s main gate.
Within minutes, protesters began throwing barricades, orange cones and their own tents and gear in front of the large trucks. The protesters eventually poured onto the street, facing off in front of officers, trying to stop them from advancing.
Shortly after midnight, the sound of projectiles being launched filled the streets in front of the university. Officers also deployed gas canisters, clearing the encampment and moving the protesters down University Boulevard away from campus. Observers said they saw law enforcement deploy rubber bullets.
“University President Robert C. Robbins has initiated a zero-tolerance approach to enforcing its campus use policy to protect the campus, students, faculty, visitors, and university events,” according to a UA statement early Friday. “This evening, police vehicles have been spiked, and rocks and water bottles have been thrown at officers and university staff. Those who have violated the law are subject to arrest and prosecution. University officials have taken action to ensure the safety of Centennial Hall convocation attendees.”
Last week, a similar protest ended in similar fashion. On May 1, police used rubber bullets and chemical irritants; faculty and student groups decried the use of force. Robbins said protesters resisted arrest and threw “projectiles” at law enforcement and protesters and counterprotesters created a “volatile” environment.