Portland State University announced it would close its campus Wednesday after images surfaced of graffiti and destruction caused inside the main library by anti-Israel protesters.
Photos show signs spray-painted on the walls of the Miller Library in downtown Portland, Oregon: “If Israel ends its occupation of Palestine, it will stop occupying this building,” and “We will no longer do business as usual.” Messages such as “Yo” are written on it.
KOIN reports that the building’s fire alarm system was destroyed. Video also showed piles of chairs and furniture blocking the building’s stairwell, with glass shattering in one area and tents set up in another.
“Due to an ongoing incident at the library, the PSU campus will be closed starting Wednesday, May 1,” Portland State University said on its website.
Portland State University president says anti-Israel protesters cause ‘property damage’ and calls for police assistance
Graffiti is painted on the wall when pro-Palestinian protesters occupy the Miller Library on the campus of Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. (John Radoff/AFP via Getty Images)
On Tuesday, PSU President Anne Cudd, who requested the Portland Police Bureau’s assistance in clearing the building, released a video message that included a plea to anti-Israel demonstrators to end the occupation.
“I have heard your demands and understand your concerns. These are very important concerns regarding the current terrible war in Gaza. I am happy to begin a constructive dialogue with you. “I’ll talk about it,” she said. “But we cannot tolerate continued occupation of Miller Library. That’s plain and simple.”
“We want you to come out of the library, especially students, to come out of the library voluntarily. I want to talk to you,” Cudd added. Ta.
Live updates: Anti-Israel protests on American college campuses
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators have occupied the Miller Library on the Portland State University campus, with barricades placed at the door to prevent police from entering. (John Radoff/AFP via Getty Images)
In a statement posted on PSU’s website, Cudd said she was “very concerned at this time” about the safety of those occupying the library building.
“Safety measures are in place in PSU buildings, including limited or prohibited card access. Faculty, staff, and students are asked to remain off campus until further notice. “It’s wanted,” she said.
On Monday night, police estimated there were between 50 and 75 people currently in the building.
“The intrusion into the library and the fortification at the library makes this a criminal incident that is no longer considered public order or free speech and requires a different type of response,” the Portland Police Department said in a statement. Ta. Bob Day said.
Day said police are working with the PSU and its law enforcement agencies to “develop a plan to best approach the situation with the hope of de-escalating and resolving the situation without arrest or use of force of any kind.” “I have,” he added.
The president of Portland State University says protesters are currently occupying the university’s main library. (KPTV)
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Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt said he expects the protesters to be charged with felonies, including robbery and possible felonies and other misdemeanors.
