Portland State University closed its campus for the second day in a row Wednesday as anti-Israel protesters occupied the college’s main library.
The university announced the closure Tuesday in light of an “ongoing incident” at Millar Library, less than 24 hours after protesters broke into the building and barricaded themselves.
“I’ve heard your demands and know your concerns. They’re very important concerns about the terrible war in Gaza right now. I’m willing to talk to you, to enter into a constructive dialogue,” PSU President Ann Cudd said in a video message Tuesday. “We cannot, however, allow the continued occupation of Millar Library, that’s just plain and simple. We’ve asked the Portland Police Bureau to help us remove the occupiers from the library.”
Protesters vandalized the library with graffiti, smashed glass and bashed computers, according to local CBS affiliate KOIN.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day estimated that 50 to 75 people were holed up in the building.
Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt said the occupiers could face felony charges such as “burglary and felony criminal mischief” depending on the evidence gathered by the Portland Police Bureau.
Those inside the library are a mix of PSU students, faculty and community members, according to Ms. Cudd.
The Millar Library occupation comes amid a trend of protest camps popping up on college campuses nationwide in response to the war between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas.
Los Angeles police donned riot gear Wednesday to quell an attack by pro-Israel counterprotesters at UCLA.
The agitators tried to pull down the barricades surrounding the pro-Palestinian camp. One of the camp occupants was jumped by counterprotesters — including being beaten with sticks — until they were pulled from the fracas.
New York City police took over 280 people into custody late Tuesday after hordes of pro-Palestinian supporters broke into an academic building at Columbia University.
“There’s nothing peaceful about barricading buildings, destroying property and dismantling security cameras,” Mayor Eric Adams said. “We cannot allow lawful protest to turn into a violence spectacle that serves no purpose.”
More than 1,000 people have been arrested across the nation since the encampments began sprouting up two weeks ago.
• This story is based in part on wire service reports.