Lockdown lifted after Auraria Campus says protesters trespassed CU Denver Student Commons

A lockdown was in effect on the Auraria Campus in Denver for a short time Monday evening. In an update, campus officials said pro-Palestinian demonstrators trespassed CU Denver Student Commons.

According to the release, more than a dozen protesters, who have been demonstrating on the Tivoli Quad, marched to the CU Denver Student Commons building. Those protesters were then accused of entering the Bursar's Office at the commons on the fifth floor, accessing and occupying the restricted space.

"We continue to balance the legal right to free speech with the need to keep our community safe and the campus focused on teaching and learning," Auraria Campus shared in its press release. "This is the latest example of how Auraria Campus protester behavior has escalated in unacceptable ways."

After warnings were made, the lockdown was ordered for Auraria Campus at about 5 p.m., and people were being asked to avoid the area. The camps says many of the protesters inside Student Commons left peacefully to continue demonstrations outside.  

Before a complete evacuation of Student Commons was made, 10 protesters remained inside and were subsequently issued a summons for trespassing, interference, and disturbing the peace. These protesters were then released, and the lockdown was lifted at that point. This happened just before 6 p.m. 

The Auraria Campus is home to the University of Colorado Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver and Community College of Denver.