Virginia Tech officials told pro-Palestinian protesters to leave or face arrest

Virginia Tech officials told pro-Palestinian protesters to leave or face arrest

Virginia Tech police have warned pro-Palestinian protesters on campus they will face arrest if they refuse to disperse.

About 10:15 p.m. on Sunday, university police advised protesters to leave within five minutes or face arrest.

At the same time, the university warned students to refrain from protesting.

“Heavy police activity around the Graduate Life Center. urgent Please avoid the area. Call 911 for help,” the university wrote on social media.
Earlier on Sunday, officials had attempted to remove protesters from encampments on campus.

Protesters began occupying a courtyard at the university’s Center for Graduate Life on Friday, the university said.

“Through ongoing dialogue between university officials, the Virginia Tech Police Department, and protest organizers, we were able to maintain a safe and peaceful environment throughout the weekend,” the university said.
By Sunday, the university said the situation on campus had “evolved” and was potentially “unsafe.”