TAMPA, Fla. — 13 people have been arrested since Monday as Pro-Palestine demonstrations continue. Tampa Bay Student for a Democratic Society (SDS) held a protest on the University of South Florida campus for the second straight day in what they call the "Gaza Solidarity Encampment."
According to USF, the 13 arrested were current students, former students, current and former employees of the university, and some not affiliated with the university at all. All individuals arrested will be trespassed from campus.
All of the people arrested have bonded out of jail as of 6 p.m. Today (Wednesday).
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said that deputies went to the campus Tuesday to assist USF Police with an unsanctioned protest. Ten people were arrested, according to HCSO.
"The moment a peaceful protestor arms his or herself with a shield or attempts to occupy a space that isn't theirs, as occurred today, they will be dispersed. And, if they choose not to follow instructions of law enforcement officers, they will be arrested as ten individuals were," Sheriff Chad Chronister said.
We spoke to Victoria Hinckely, a USF student, while she was waiting for other protestors to be released from jail.
"We're not backing down. Students are not backing down. Students across the country are not backing down. Palestinian resistance is not backing down," Hinckley said.
We spoke to Jake Geffon after he bonded out of jail on Wednesday. He said he has participated in peacefully protests across Tampa Bay.
"We are trying to continue history and stand on the side for justice," he said.
He said the accusations are not true and he is innocent.
"My response is I am not guilty. I did not do anything like that. I am responsible. I'm safe. I'm non-violent," said Geffon.
Protesters have a few demands for the university
- USF to release investment information
- A call to divest from Israel
- Publicly speak in support of Palestinian and Arab students
USF said in a statement it, "values the right to free speech and protecting the constitutional right for individuals and groups on campus to express themselves. This includes peaceful protests and demonstrations that occur regularly on USF’s three campuses without incident and are part of the public discourse of a university. However, the expression of free speech must remain peaceful and not violate the law or USF policies. The university has been clear that violence, threats, harassment and disruptions will not be tolerated."
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