Police use tear gas on pro-Palestinian protesters at USF in Tampa

Protests over the Israel-Hamas war erupted into chaos Tuesday after police used tear gas on protesters at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

The development marks a local escalation in growing college protests over Israel’s war with Hamas. Demonstrations took place at USF and the University of Florida, while five students were arrested at Florida State University and protesters started an encampment at the University of North Florida.

At USF, about 80 to 100 people returned Tuesday, chanting and holding up umbrellas and plywood sheets as they created a tight circle while police and administrators watched. It appeared they were erecting new tents in violation of the school’s rules, and students and staff were warned to steer clear of the site around 4 p.m. as the police presence grew.

Protesters were given until 5 p.m. to disperse. Linking arms and chanting “Hold the line,” they were locked in a standoff with police. After declaring the protest an unlawful assembly, officers deployed tear gas, sending protesters running.

In all, 10 people have been arrested at the campus so far, authorities said. It was not clear how many of them were students. About 30 people were gathered at the Orient Road Jail to protest the arrests. By 8:15 p.m., the mood was relaxed, and they were eating pizza.

Here’s how it all unfolded.

8:15 p.m.

At Florida State University, all five protesters have been released from jail. Student protesters will not be able to attend their graduations.

Joelle Nunez, an organizer at FSU, said the group plans to continue.

“We’re ready to keep pushing for our demands regardless of what they throw at us,” he said.

Dozens of police descended and told them to take down tents, he said. They didn’t, and the students were arrested.

The arrests were relatively peaceful and protesters complied, Nunez said.

“It was crazy to see the amount of police … dozens of police officers to arrest four people peacefully setting up tents,” he said.

“The only reason these schools are so eager to arrest is because they’re trying to suppress the movement,” he said.

— Divya Kumar, Times staff writer

8:03 p.m.

During a news conference Tuesday night, USF Police Chief Chris Daniel said several people had been taken into custody and so far 10 had been arrested. It is unclear how many are students at this time.

“The University of South Florida values the right to free speech and protecting the constitutional rights for individuals and groups on campus to assemble and express themselves peacefully without violating university policy or putting others in danger,” he said.

He said the protesters were given repeated warnings and that the protest was no longer considered peaceful when the officers saw shields and umbrellas used to fortify the stance of the protesters.

“If you’re out here peacefully protesting, why would you need shields?” he said, rebuking the protesters’ characterization of events.

He said police saw protesters in the circle put on gas masks after receiving a 15-minute warning to disperse.

He said they again told protesters that law enforcement did not want anyone to get hurt.

“Before the situation could escalate any further, chemical agents were released,” he said.

Some were taken into custody as the group dispersed. Daniel said rubber bullets were not used.

Daniel said during the process of arrest, some protesters tried to throw tear gas back, and one individual was found to have a firearm.

“We’re going to monitor the area just like we monitor all the campus,” he said. “This is a peaceful campus and it should be a place that people feel free to walk about. So we’re going to continue our normal patrols and encourage anybody that wants to engage in free speech to do so safely.”

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department and Florida Highway Patrol assisted the university police department, Daniel said.

— Divya Kumar, Times staff writer

7:35 p.m.

Meesan Dhiman, a student also in the circle, said the events unfolded quickly. She said though she didn’t clearly hear what, she understood the group was being warned.

“We stood our ground we had our own interlock together until they started throwing the tear gas at us,” she said. “And they started tackling us down and they started chasing us around campus for no reason other than us protesting for the rights of Palestinian people who deserve so much more than what they’re going through right now.”

— Divya Kumar, Times staff writer

7:22 p.m.

Isha Modha, one of the protesters who stood with arms interlocked around the tents, said there was never intent to harm officers.

“Number one, shields are legal to be used in Florida by protesters to defend themselves against the police,” said Modha, a member of USF’s divest coalition who addressed the board of trustees months ago.

“There were no plans to engage with police,” she said. “Multiple times, the organizers of this encampment told us, ‘The police can touch you, do not touch the police, do not engage with the police, do not harass the police. Stay where you are.’”

Modha said she was disgusted by the actions of the police and didn’t want it to take away from the group’s message.

“I can go home to my family,” she said. “My family is alive. I can go home and I can sit there and I can think about what the police did today and and how terrible things have been. And still none of this compares to the life of the average person in Gaza, the average child in Gaza who is starving, who is so hungry for food and their mothers and fathers cannot feed them.”

— Divya Kumar, Times staff writer

7:20 p.m.

At the Orient Road Jail, around 20 protesters gathered in the designated “free speech area” in front of the entrance. They believed that around 10 people were arrested, and that one was taken to the hospital.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Col. Bob Ura was standing in front of the jail and told the Tampa Bay Times that he wasn’t sure how many were arrested, but he estimated it was 10 to 15 people. They were still at USF, he said, and then they would be transported to Orient Road.

Ura said the charges ranged from misdemeanors to felony battery on law enforcement. Ura said those charged with misdemeanors would be released as soon as possible after they are transported to the jail and post bail. But those accused of felonies might be held until first appearance in the morning.

“We are shocked and appalled by the actions of USFPD and other police forces USF campus today,” said Simon Rowe, 23, who was arrested and charged with trespassing at a protest on Monday. “The use of tear gas and excessive violence was not necessary for this peaceful protest. We are doing everything we can to make sure that everyone is released quickly and everyone is free.”

— Justin Garcia, Times staff writer

6:57 p.m.

In a statement, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were requested to assist with an “unsanctioned protest” at USF. “Several agitators” were identified and taken into custody after “repeatedly ignoring dispersal commands,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Violent or unsanctioned protests on University Campuses or anywhere in Hillsborough County Florida will not be tolerated,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “This is Florida, a law and order state. Every student, regardless of color, creed or religion, should be able to feel safe and learn in a secure environment. Every student should be able to freely move about campus without fear of harassment or intimidation. 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.”

6:52 p.m.

Martin Taylor, a senior at USF, heard helicopters circling, so he walked over to see what was happening. He saw about 40 officers with tactical gear. He looked around and saw even more officers.

“I just think that the presence was so overwhelming,” he said. “Politics aside, I just find it ironic because I’m assuming the campus did this to prevent people from seeing this, with graduation starting on Saturday. Just trying to clear the campus to keep everything quiet. But then something like this happens, which is only going to be broadcast on the news.”

He added he was surprised at the response.

“Genuinely, politics aside, it was peaceful protests,” he said. “They were standing there. It’s an area that doesn’t affect people’s ability to get through or around campus. It’s not even like a high-traffic area for visibility. It’s not blocking or preventing access or disrupting studies. It’s just crazy.”

Taylor also found it ironic the other name for the plaza was “Freedom Plaza.”

Lane Neville, a USF alum who lives near campus and frequently comes to campus after work, said she thought it was concerning that her roommate received a text beforehand warning students to stay away from the MLK plaza.

“They were letting everybody know, like, ‘Hey, we’re about to attack these children,’” she said.

Neville said she was disappointed by the university’s response. She said she saw several officers per protester.

“They need to understand there’s nothing college students can do but stand up and talk about what they believe in and stand up and be seen and heard,” Neville said.

Neville was also troubled that many of the students who live on campus were trespassed.

“How do you trespass where you live?” she asked. “Half of them have nowhere else to go and they’re being charged with trespassing on a place they’re paying to be. And they’re not trespassing, they’re simply saying something you don’t want to hear. We have to have some semblance of free speech and assembly.”

Neville said while many universities have protesting students, the only ones gaining attention are where police are aggressively responding to students, so she thinks the strategy might backfire if the goal was to hush the message.

— Divya Kumar, Times staff writer

6:41 p.m.

In a memo, State University System Chancellor Ray Rodrigues advised the presidents of Florida’s public universities to ensure that commencements aren’t canceled or disrupted by protests.

“Thanks to the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, our universities have the statutory tools necessary to prevent the spread of antisemitism currently invading higher education across our country,” Rodrigues said in a statement. “Commencement ceremonies are a time to recognize our graduates for the honors they have earned; they are not a platform for disruptive political activism of any stripe, especially activism for genocidal terrorists.”

6:31 p.m.

A statement from USF said “a number of individuals were taken into custody.”

“The University of South Florida values the right to free speech and protecting the constitutional right for individuals and groups on campus to express themselves,” the statement said. “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.”

The statement said USF staff members and university police remained in communication with protesters about expectations.

“As the day progressed, police observed participants in person and through social media expressing their intent to use some of the items they brought on campus as weapons and to resist university staff members and law enforcement officers,” the statement said. “As a result, USF police determined that the protest was no longer peaceful, and participants must leave the area.”

— Divya Kumar, Times staff writer

6:20 p.m.

Joseph Charry, one of the organizers of the protest, believes 20-25 people were arrested. He said people are rallying at the jail.

“They want to call themselves a free-speech campus,” Charry said. “Time and time again that’s been proven wrong with their response to peaceful protesters.”

— Divya Kumar, Times staff writer

6:15 p.m.

Curious about the rules of engagement for protests at USF?

The university has a page on its website devoted to the topics of civic engagement, activism and free speech.

It says in part: “Campuses are limited public forums to exercise your first amendment right to speech, religion, press, and peaceful assembly.” Student protesters are finding out this week how the university interprets that term “limited.”

There’s also a link to specific policy about “space management” on campus, with details on rules involving tents, which loom large in the wave of protests sweeping the country.

— Thomas C. Tobin, Times staff

6:06 p.m.

Deputies with sheriff’s vests, shields and batons are marching away from MLK Plaza. Officers from the Florida Highway Patrol have congregated behind the fountain. Some students have come to look on after hearing about what happened.

A fraternity has now gathered in the area to take photos.

— Divya Kumar, Times staff writer

5:54 p.m.

Abe Hamed, a community member and protester who stepped away from the group after the police warning, said he thought people should question the use of force.

“People have to think about liberty if we are living in the Freedom State,” he said. “That’s not United States.”

Corey Trevorso, who watched from nearby, said he was ashamed of the police response.

“This violence brings a negative connotation to our message,” he said.

— Divya Kumar, Times staff writer

5:50 p.m.

Earlier Tuesday, hours before the USF standoff, Gov. Ron DeSantis weighed in on the student protests happening in the state.

“In Florida, you can say things. You can have positions. That’s fine,” he said at a Tuesday news conference in Tampa. “But we’re not going to let you set up a tent city in the middle of a university.”

He called the atmosphere at schools such as Columbia University “toxic,” and said that Florida universities will not tolerate such disruptions and intimidation.

“In Florida, if you are violating appropriate conduct — especially if you are warned — you can be expelled,” DeSantis added.

— Jeffrey S. Solochek, Times staff writer

5:33 p.m.

Several Hillsborough County sheriff’s deputies chased a masked protester across Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza to the Richard A. Beard parking facility, where the protester ran inside. At least a dozen deputies searched the garage for the person for around five minutes until someone was apprehended lying on the ground of the bottom floor of the parking garage.

An ACLU legal observer got close to the deputies and backed up as a commanding deputy moved closer. The person was loaded into an unmarked cruiser and transported away.

Protesters have largely cleared the area near the encampments in front of the police.

— Divya Kumar, Sam Ogozalek and Justin Garcia, Times staff writers

5:26 p.m.

At least two people are being detained and walked away from the area. Police are breaking down the encampment. One officer is seen rolling up a Palestinian flag.

Police could be seen running after one individual.

— Divya Kumar, Sam Ogozalek and Justin Garcia, Times staff writers

5:22 p.m.

At about 5:20 p.m., tear gas began to waft over the encampment. A canister bounced in front of the group. One protester wearing a gas mask darted forward, picked it up and tossed it a few feet away. But within moments the group was scattered as officers marched through the haze.

Soon after, police began to take down tents and roll up a tarp that protesters had been on, tossing items into a pile.

Nivethitha Ketheeswaran, a University of South Florida graduate student and instructor, said she walked near the officers after they deployed tear gas, and one told her that if she didn’t move, she’d be arrested. She said she asked why other protests were allowed on campus. The officer told her he was just doing his job, Ketheeswaran said.

“I mean, this is literally called ‘MLK Plaza,’” she said. It’s a “sick irony,” she said, that a peaceful protest was broken up.

No students are in the encampment any longer. People ran away coughing. “These are kids,” one person yelled.

— Divya Kumar, Sam Ogozalek and Justin Garcia, Times staff writers

5:15 p.m.

A sheriff’s negotiator continues to read out the warning telling the protesters they are under arrest and not to resist.

The protesters have maintained their circle of locked arms around the tents. Some could be heard chanting, “Hold the line.” They are holding plywood shields. Earlier, protesters believed the plywood would not be considered a weapon and instructed each other not to use it to push the police, only to defend themselves.

Several officers in gas masks have run in with batons.

What appears to be tear gas has been thrown or fired at the protesters, and the police are moving forward.

— Divya Kumar, Sam Ogozalek and Justin Garcia, Times staff writers

5:07 p.m.

The USF protest has been declared an unlawful assembly. Using a megaphone, two people in vests warned that a risk of injury may occur. Protesters were told to consider themselves under arrest and not to resist.

Earlier, university police officers started to line up with shields. Officers donned gas masks as they prepared to approach protestors shouting “Shame on you.”

The USF police chief told a reporter he had no comment.

— Justin Garcia and Divya Kumar, Times staff writers

Arrests

Since Monday, 17 people have been arrested at pro-Palestinian protests on Florida college campuses.

Three protesters were taken into custody at USF on Monday when they started putting up tents in the protest zone without permission. The remaining participants were threatened with trespassing charges for lingering in the field behind the MLK Plaza after 5 p.m.

As of Tuesday, all three people arrested at USF had been released on bond, court records show.

At the University of Florida, nine protesters were arrested Monday evening amid accusations that ranged from sitting in chairs during their protest, which school rules did not allow, to trespassing after a warning and spitting on an officer. The organizing group in Gainesville, UF Divest Coalition, disputed the spitting allegation.

On Tuesday, a judge released eight of the nine protesters from jail, according to Fresh Take Florida. A ninth protester, identified as a UF student, remained jailed facing a felony battery charge related to his arrest.

Also on Tuesday, five students were arrested at Florida State University. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, the arrests came after social media videos showed several tents were erected on Landis Green, a central area on the campus.

In a statement Tuesday, the Florida Holocaust Museum in St. Petersburg praised state universities for the actions taken against campus protesters over the last two days.

“The Florida Holocaust Museum was heartened to see the University of Florida firmly enforce its own codes of conduct and applauds the University of South Florida for sending a strong message that it will follow suit.”