On Wednesday, a defaced statue of George Washington at the school of the same name in Washington, D.C., was seen covered after police cleared an anti-Israel camp and arrested dozens of protesters.
For almost two weeks, the statue was covered in Palestinian iconography, including flags, keffiyehs and stickers reading “Liberate Palestine” and “Liberate Gaza.” The words “Genocide Warmonger University” were spray-painted on the base.
George Washington University spokesperson Josh Grossman told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that the university plans to “work on restoring the statue with the experts best suited to manage this work as soon as we are ready.” he said.
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A large American flag is raised at George Washington University on Friday, May 3, 2024, in Washington, DC. Anti-Israel protests were quelled on Wednesday. (Fox News)
GWU, like other universities across the country, has been the site of formidable anti-Israel protests, with demonstrators setting up encampments on school grounds and managing to sever ties with Israel over the Gaza war. asked the person.
Police and authorities cleared the encampment at George Washington University. (All accounts of GW Hatchet)
Last week, several Republicans on the House Oversight Committee toured the campus and criticized D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the D.C. Police Department for refusing the university’s request to intervene. Bowser said Monday that city officials and police rejected the university’s request to intervene because there was no use of force by officers.
Police cordoned off the area where the anti-Israel encampment was cleared. (Jack Elbaum)
Bowser, a Democrat, and Metropolitan Police Department Commissioner Pamela Smith were called to testify Wednesday afternoon before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, which will discuss the response to the protests.
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However, early Wednesday morning, the commission adjourned the hearing after police intervened to remove the GWU tent encampment. Police arrested 33 people on charges including assaulting a police officer and trespassing.
A bronze statue of George Washington hidden on the campus of the same name. (Jack Elbaum)
Bowser said she and Smith decided to clear the camp based on changing information about the growing threat. “Our response to demonstrations is always rooted in public safety and responsibility,” the mayor said.
Smith said there are signs that “the protests are becoming more volatile and unstable.” Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll said there were also signs that protesters had “gathered improvised weapons” and were “besieging” the university building with the intention of occupying it.
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Police admitted they used pepper spray against demonstrators who tried to break through police lines outside the camp.
George Washington had warned of possible suspension if the camp continued at University Yard. Demonstrators holding signs that read “Liberate Palestine” and “Keep Rafah out of the picture” also marched to the home of school president Ellen Grunberg on Tuesday night.
“While the university is committed to protecting students’ right to free expression, this camp is an illegal activity with participants in direct violation of multiple university policies and city ordinances,” the school said in a statement. It has developed,” he said.
Universities that once hosted anti-Israel protesters are changing their stance as the camps become more chaotic.
House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) said he spoke with the mayor early Wednesday and thanked him for “finally removing the intruders from the GW campus.” Ta.
Early Wednesday morning, protesters clashed with Metropolitan Police Department officers at George Washington University. (Sage Russell/GW Hatchett via AP)
“While it is unfortunate that the situation at GW forced the Oversight Committee to act, it was clear that the D.C. Police Department was not up to the task. So after meeting with GW leaders and touring the encampment, We decided to hold a public hearing to get answers as to why the mayor is not following the law,” Comer said. “I am pleased that the potential oversight hearing led to swift action by Mayor Bowser and Police Chief Smith. We continue to work together in Washington to ensure our nation’s capital is safe for everyone. We will hold DC officials accountable.”
Tensions are rising on campuses across the United States with standoffs between protesters protesting the Israel-Hamas war. Some universities quickly cracked down, others tolerated the demonstrations, while others lost patience and began calling in the police, fearing the disruption to campus life and safety.
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Approximately 2,800 people have been arrested at 50 campuses since April 18, according to figures based on reporting by The Associated Press and releases from universities and law enforcement agencies.
The movement began with protests at Columbia University in New York.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
