A pro-Palestinian demonstration outside the Art Institute of Chicago on Saturday resulted in the arrest of at least 68 individuals for criminal trespass to property, according to the Chicago Police Department.
The protest, organized by students from Columbia College Chicago and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, began with a small encampment in the museum’s north garden. Police moved in to dismantle the encampment around 4:30 p.m., leading to arrests as some protesters resisted.
The demonstrators voiced their opposition to U.S. support for Israel, with activist Andy Thayer highlighting concerns about apartheid policies. Meanwhile, protester David Hammond criticized U.S. financial aid to Israel, calling for an end to funding.
This marked the first time the Chicago Police Department has executed such a large number of arrests since the start of pro-Palestinian encampments. The Art Institute of Chicago stated that despite efforts to provide an alternate location for the protest, demonstrators escalated the situation by blocking emergency exits and barricading gates.
Following negotiations between police and protesters, officers issued multiple warnings to disperse before taking enforcement action. Demonstrators were given the option to leave without arrest, but many chose to resist peacefully, resulting in their arrest.
Both the Chicago Police Department and the Art Institute of Chicago issued statements regarding the protests, emphasizing the priority of safety for all involved.
Meanwhile, similar protests continued at the University of Chicago for a sixth consecutive day.