BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Authorities arrested more than 30 protestors calling for a ceasefire in Gaza on Indiana University's campus in Bloomington Thursday afternoon.
The Indiana State Police and Indiana University Police were called to Dunn Meadow Park around 11 a.m. as a contingent of protestors gathered on campus to call attention to the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza as the conflict between Israel and Palestine continues.
IUPD said in a news release shortly after 8 p.m. that authorities arrived to disperse a growing crowd of protestors that had placed tents and canopies as part of their planned protest. The statement added that this violated IU's policy.
This university violation was reportedly communicated to the protestors during the morning and afternoon, IUPD said. The protestors were also informed that they would have been allowed to remain in Dunn Meadow if they removed the structures, according to IUPD.
At one point, a heavy police presence consisting of ISP troopers donning riot gear and IUPD officers monitored the tense situation as nearly 100 protestors and counter-protestors gathered at the park on IU's campus.
The release stated that the protestors were "advised to leave the area" after allegedly refusing to take down the temporary structures.
Officers on the scene reportedly made one final request at 3:46 p.m. for the crowd to remove the tents and canopies. Around 10 minutes later, IUPD said officers proceeded to arrest the individuals who did not remove the structures.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office confirmed that deputies had at least 33 individuals boarded on a bus who were being transported to the Monroe County Justice Center. Officials confirmed that the majority of the individuals were arrested by ISP troopers who also assisted at the scene.
It is unknown if any of the individuals arrested are students.
An Indiana University spokesperson shared the following statement with FOX59/CBS4 following Thursday's events.
Indiana University Bloomington is a campus where we encourage and respect free speech and open dialogue. To ensure the safety and security of the IU community and to avoid disruption of university operations, expressive activity must be conducted in accordance with university free speech and events policies. This includes the enforcement of policies that require advanced approval for the installation of temporary structures.
Indiana University
14 protestors were also arrested Thursday morning in Indianapolis after blocking Meridian Street between 46th and 49th streets near the governor’s residence.