Chaos unfolded at Portland State University as a rally protesting the war in Gaza and Israeli actions turned into an occupation of the Millar Library, causing significant damages, including a compromised fire alarm system and extensive vandalism, reported KGW. The nearly four-day standoff began peacefully before escalating into an occupation, with students within describing it as a bid to draw attention to Palestinian struggles.
During the police clearing on Thursday morning, Portland police found tools, improvised weapons, and graffiti with slogans such as "Free Palestine," with Portland Fire & Rescue later announcing that the life safety alert system, including strobes and horns, sustained damage from the occupation. They emphasized that the fire suppression system and smoke detectors remained functional. Damage assessments revealed broken glass, shattered ceiling tiles, and a TV ripped from the wall. Furthermore, the building will be boarded up while repairs are made, according to the same KGW report.
Portland city leaders, including Mayor Ted Wheeler and Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt, have condemned the incident, vowing to pursue charges against participants. The Portland Police Bureau Chief and other officials, addressing the messy aftermath of more than two days of occupation, confirmed the arrest of several individuals. They plan to release images to identify additional suspects, as mentioned in KATU's coverage.
Despite the intense clashes and rampant destruction, and the president of PSU, Ann Cudd, expressing her willingness to listen to student concerns, protesters and administration failed to find common ground leading up to the intervention. Additionally, President Cudd thanked law enforcement for their efforts in handling the situation. She further appreciated the police for offering protesters a chance to leave without facing expulsion or suspension prior to the operation, as highlighted by KGW. The student-led demonstration is part of a nationwide series of campus protests against the Gaza war, with universities grappling with the balance between addressing grievances and maintaining order, as observed in an account by OregonLive.
