PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Several arrests were made Friday night as pro-Palestinian protesters piled up Friday night on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. Police told CBS News Philadelphia there were several arrests at 34th Street and Walnut, near Fisher-Bennett Hall.
It is not yet known how many more people have been arrested, however, Penn police and Philadelphia police escorted several other people and took them into custody.
The university sent a network alert to the public to make sure police were on the scene to investigate and asked others to exercise caution in the crowded area.
“Earlier in the evening, an organization of Americans entered Fisher-Bennett Hall on Penn’s campus and attempted to occupy it. Penn police, along with the Philadelphia Police Department, escorted them out and secured the building, arresting several Americans. ” said a university spokesperson.
According to a press release from Freedom School Palestine, members of the Penn Gaza solidarity camp gathered at 8 p. m. to occupy Fisher-Bennett Hall on campus.
Penn’s solidarity camp in Gaza said it stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and that its demands remain that the university “disclose Penn’s investments, get rid of Israel’s apartheid state, and protect pro-Palestinian protesters and academics,” reads in part.
The organization said the corridor in which they are protesting will remain occupied until the university withdraws from Israel.
Later that night, about 100 pro-Palestinian protesters chanted and joined the guns nearby, in the middle of 34th Street.
Protesters then marched to Philadelphia police headquarters on North Broad Street, with some camped outside after the arrests.
Dozens of Philadelphia police officers were on the streets as tense moments unfolded.
Around 10:15 p. m. , protesters left the campus and police remained at the scene.
Police said the crowd dispersed after 11 p. m. , but officials remained in the area.
A week ago, police were on the College Green campus, dismantling a pro-Palestinian protest camp and making arrests. A university spokesperson said another 33 people were arrested and released on May 10.