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Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters arrested outside Art Institute of Chicago: police
Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested outside the Art Institute of Chicago despite receiving multiple warnings to disperse from Chicago police.
CHICAGO - Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested outside the Art Institute of Chicago despite receiving multiple warnings to disperse from Chicago police.
The encampment was formed at 11 a.m. Saturday in the 100 block of South Michigan Avenue, in the museum's North Garden.
Protesters held their ground for several hours, despite officers' attempts at negotiations, according to CPD.
Then at 3:30 p.m., the situation began to escalate after the institute requested the police begin removing protesters from the property.
Police said they issued the first warning to disperse at 4:11 p.m. and then again at 4:20 p.m.
The third and final warning was issued at 4:30 p.m.
After protesters refused to move from the premises, officers made dozens of arrests for criminal trespass to property.
Protesters gathered outside Art Institute of Chicago on Saturday.
According to CPD, the scene was cleared within 20 minutes of the third warning being issued.
The Art Institute of Chicago has issued this statement on the incident:
"The Art Institute of Chicago respects a group’s right to peacefully protest without harming staff and visitors. Today, a group of individuals, including some SAIC students, began a protest in the museum’s North Garden, and as it progressed, protesters surrounded and shoved a security officer and stole their keys to the museum, blocked emergency exits, and barricaded gates. The protest also began to escalate on Michigan Avenue outside of the museum. Because our priority is the safety of our employees, our visitors, and our collection, protesters were offered an alternative location to continue their protest on campus that would be safer for all involved, and they did not accept that relocation offer. During multiple rounds of negotiations, SAIC student protesters were promised amnesty from academic sanction and trespassing charges if they agreed to relocate. The School also agreed to meet with a student group to discuss their demands. After approximately five hours, an agreement could not be reached. The museum requested that the Chicago Police Department end the protest in the safest way possible, and we estimate that approximately 50 people were arrested."
This is a developing story and we'll bring more updates as they become available.