The Metropolitan Police Department arrested 33 protesters while clearing the encampment on George Washington University’s Yard at 3 a.m yesterday, just hours before Mayor Bowser and the D.C. police chief were set to testify on the Hill about it. Local leaders are saying this sets a dangerous precedent.
Some Background:
Pro-Palestine protesters – both from DMV universities and members of the public – had been camped out on the GW lawn for nearly two weeks before police forced their removal. They wanted D.C. universities to protect pro-Palestine speech on campus and divest from companies supporting Israel, among other demands.
So Why Clear It Now?
Officially, D.C. police chief Pamela Smith says MPD intervened because of “an escalation in the volatility of the protests.”
But there’s speculation the clearing was related to Congressional interference. Bowser and Smith were set to testify on the Hill yesterday about why they declined the university’s requests to clear the encampment for almost two weeks. The hearing was canceled promptly after police raided the site.
Demonstrations at George Washington University yard. (Ashe Durban/City Cast DC)
The Local Impact
Bowser’s decision to clear the encampment may have taken the wind out of Congress’s sails, but it has left many Washingtonians and local leaders frustrated. “Cracking down on campus protestors to appease MAGA Republicans in Congress is wrong and sets an incredibly dangerous precedent for our city,” said Councilmember Janeese Lewis George.
She was not the only one against the arrests. ANC Commissioner Hayden Gise said, “Washingtonians recognize that (protesting) is part of what makes D.C. special. Don’t suspend students for protesting and don’t arrest them for being peaceful.”
