University of Washington Building Occupation Leads to Arrests Amidst Anti-Israel Protest
Seattle, WA – A demonstration at the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle escalated on Monday as a group of anti-Israel protesters occupied an engineering building, resulting in the intervention of law enforcement and the arrest of at least 30 individuals. The protest centered around the university’s ties with Boeing, a major aerospace and defense manufacturer, with demonstrators demanding the institution divest from the company.
The incident unfolded as protesters gained access to an engineering building on the UW campus and remained inside for several hours. Their primary objective was to pressure the university to sever its financial connections with Boeing, citing the company’s role in the production of weapons and its alleged contribution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
As police officers in riot gear arrived at the scene, tensions heightened. Videos circulating online depicted dumpsters ablaze outside the building, purportedly set on fire by protesters. Law enforcement officials moved in to regain control of the premises, facing resistance from demonstrators who had barricaded themselves inside.
Amidst the chaos, a protester outside the building was heard making inflammatory remarks, including the statement, "Abolish the police. Every cop dead is a victory for the resistance." The utterance ignited further controversy and drew condemnation from various quarters.
In response to the unfolding events, the University of Washington issued a statement asserting that the protesters had created a "dangerous environment" in and around the occupied building. According to the university, the demonstrators obstructed access to two streets surrounding the building, blocked entrances and exits, and ignited fires in dumpsters located on a nearby street.
Law enforcement authorities, comprised of UW Police and local police departments, coordinated efforts to contain the situation. They initiated the process of clearing the area outside the building at approximately 10:30 p.m. before entering the building at 11 p.m.
The university reported that around 30 protesters who had occupied the building were apprehended and charged with multiple offenses, including trespassing, property destruction, disorderly conduct, and conspiracy to commit these acts.
The University of Washington emphasized its commitment to maintaining a secure learning and research environment, condemning what it described as an "illegal building occupation" and an "antisemitic statement" allegedly issued by a suspended student group earlier that day. The university reiterated its opposition to antisemitism in all forms and vowed not to be intimidated by offensive and destructive behavior.
The Students United for Palestinian Equality & Return (SUPER), a student organization at UW, claimed responsibility for organizing the protest. The group stated that Boeing had contributed $10 million to the construction of the occupied building. In a social media post, SUPER accused the University of Washington of being a "direct partner in the genocide of the Palestinian people" due to its association with Boeing. The group urged supporters to join the protest, advising them to wear masks and conceal identifiable features.
SUPER asserted that Boeing produces weapons of mass destruction that are subsequently used by the government of Israel in its military operations in Gaza. The group declared its refusal to be complicit in what it described as a mass genocide of Palestinian people, alleging that Boeing’s access to UW’s campus, research facilities, and student labor contributes to the production of these weapons.
Following the occupation of the building, the protesters erected a banner renaming it the "Shaban Al-Dalou Building." The symbolic gesture was intended to honor a 19-year-old Palestinian man from Gaza who was killed during the bombing of the Al-Aqsa Hospital on October 14, 2024. Israel claimed that it targeted a Hamas command center located within the facility.
The incident at the University of Washington adds to a growing wave of protests and demonstrations taking place on college campuses across the United States and other countries. These protests often target institutions with ties to companies involved in the defense industry or those perceived to be supportive of Israeli policies.
The University of Washington has faced increasing pressure from student groups and activists to divest from companies that support the Israeli government. The university has so far resisted these calls, arguing that it is committed to academic freedom and that it should not take sides in political disputes.
The incident at the University of Washington is likely to further inflame tensions on campus and to intensify the debate over the university’s relationship with Boeing and other companies that support the Israeli government. The university is likely to face renewed calls to divest from these companies, and it is unclear how it will respond.
The arrests of the protesters at the University of Washington have also drawn criticism from civil rights groups and legal scholars. These groups argue that the protesters were exercising their First Amendment rights and that the university’s response was excessive. They also raise concerns about the use of riot gear and other aggressive tactics by law enforcement officers.
The events at the University of Washington highlight the complex and controversial issues surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The conflict has sparked protests and demonstrations around the world, and it has become increasingly difficult for universities and other institutions to remain neutral. The University of Washington is likely to face continued pressure to take a stand on the conflict, and it is unclear how it will navigate these challenges.
The occupation of the engineering building and the subsequent arrests have had a chilling effect on the campus community. Many students and faculty members are concerned about the potential for further violence and disruption. The university is working to restore order and to ensure that all members of the campus community feel safe and respected.
