23 people arrested at Indiana University Bloomington, police say
Officers arrested at least 23 people on Saturday after a protest encampment formed at Indiana University Bloomington, according to the school's police department.
Police said a group of protesters put up tents and canopies Friday night "with the stated intention to occupy the university space indefinitely," and that the unapproved "temporary or permanent structures" violated school policy.
Video from the school's student-run newspaper, the Indiana Daily Student, showed officers in riot gear carrying shields and batons as they attempted to clear out the encampment. Police can be seen shoving demonstrators as they try to break through interlocked arms, and at least four officers are seen dragging a person away from the camp.
In its statement, the Indiana University Police Department said it approached the demonstrators in the school's outdoor Dunn Meadow area around noon ET, along with Indiana State Police. Authorities say they gave demonstrators “six verbal warnings” to remove the encampment, before detaining those who did not remove their structures.
Police said the 23 people arrested face "charges ranging from criminal trespass to resisting law enforcement." Police said they had not confirmed how many of those arrested were directly affiliated with the university.
CNN has reached out to state police and the Monroe County Sheriff’s office.
In a post Saturday, the university said, “IU encourages and respects free speech, including the right to peacefully protest and demonstrate,” but said students, faculty, staff and visitors are expected to comply with school policy and state law.
CNN's Sharif Paget contributed reporting to this post.
No comments: