Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at Art Institute in downtown Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Pro-Palestinian demonstrators have moved beyond college campuses, setting their sights on one of downtown Chicago's most well-known landmarks -- the Art Institute. On a busy Saturday downtown along Michigan Avenue, protesters came face-to-face with police, who made several arrests for misdemeanor trespassing.
Temporary barricades were set up along Michigan Avenue.
According to police, demonstrators set up the encampment at a garden on the Art Institute property around 11 a.m. and barricaded and locked the gates. There were several tents and dozens of demonstrators.
The encampment appeared to be student-led, with students from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Columbia College.
"These students, I want to support them because they're doing what's right, and they're taking a risk on their safety, their futures," said Dan Bailey, who was there to support the protesters.
Chicago police said the first call came in about the protests around noon. One officer told CBS 2 they were initially focused on a group attempting to go through the windows. Social media videos show a physical confrontation between protesters and police.
Officers lined up alongside the protest. Portions of Monroe Street were closed to traffic as the Art Institute negotiated. They say the protestors were offered an alternate site, but CPD said at 3:30 p.m. the Art Insitute asked for enforcement action.
At 4:11 p.m., CPD issued a warning to the protesters to disperse. A a second warning was issued at 4:20 p.m., and a "third and final warning" was issued at 4:30 p.m. Police said protesters were then given another opportunity to leave without being arrested, and several did.
Following the final warning, dozens of the protesters were arrested for criminal trespass to property, police said. The exact number of arrests was unclear.
Video from just before 5 p.m. shows protesters on the ground, some with their hands behind their backs in handcuffs, as police try to break up a group with their arms interlocked in a circle. Some protesters can be seen walking away with their hands over their heads.
"I have a hope for young people. They are our future, and I'm really proud of them. They're going to change this world," said another protester.
Police said the area was cleared within 20 minutes of the final warning.
CBS 2 is still waiting to hear from police about the exact number of arrests. The Art Institute initially estimated 50 people were taken into custody.
The Art Institute said in a statement that it respects the "right to peacefully protest," but that "protesters surrounded and shoved a security officer and stole their keys to the museum, blocked emergency exits, and barricaded gates."
At the University of Chicago, their encampment continued its sixth day. DePaul students also continued camping, even in the evening rain.
