9,000 arrests in nine months call for CEASEFIRE NOW!

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From the Nuclear Resister

(This chronicle of resistance is published in issues #202 and #203/204 of the Nuclear Resister newsletter, and online at nukeresister.org. Last updated on July 11.)

Since October of 2023, thousands of protests and actions around the world have called for a ceasefire and end to Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. In this day-by-day record of dissent, the Nuclear Resister has chronicled more than 9,000 arrests (and counting) in the U.S. and Canada on over 350 occasions across more than 125 cities and towns in 36 states and 5 provinces. Over 3,400 of these arrests have taken place on at least 70 university campuses. It marks the largest surge of anti-war arrests since mid-April, 2003, when the Nuclear Resister reported over 7,500 anti-war arrests in the U.S. alone in the lead-up to and first weeks of the second U.S. invasion of Iraq.

By “arrested,” we mean when a person is detained by police for any length of time and is not free to go or to continue the activity they were engaged in before police intervened. Whether charges are then filed is another issue, and whether prosecution proceeds after that, yet another. As far as we know, and unless otherwise noted, within 24 hours everyone arrested was released on bail or with a promise to appear. Many charges may have since been dropped.

The resistance actions that resulted in arrest span a wide array of tactics, some long under debate within the broader peace movement and among advocates of direct action. With the aim of encouraging prisoner support, we endorse tolerance and constructive criticism of diverse, conscientious action. A principle of any prisoner support work is to address the needs of the person behind bars, regardless of how they got there. 

We know that despite our best efforts, we have undoubtedly missed related arrests that should be included here. If you are aware of arrests related to ceasefire/anti-war protest not noted in this post, please send us the information. Please also let us know of any substantial errors in this chronicle so that they can be corrected.

Finally, if you or someone you know about is jailed for anti-war actions, please let us know as soon as possible so that the news can be included on the Nuclear Resister website and in the next issue of the newsletter.

Felice & Jack Cohen-Joppa
Coordinators, the Nuclear Resister

October 11     Boca Raton, FL     3 arrests

About 100 people marched at Florida American University in support of Palestine. Counter-protesters confronted the march as it moved through a breezeway on campus, leading to altercations and the arrest of one student and two others on charges of resisting arrest, battery and disorderly conduct.

October 12     Cambridge, MA     9 arrests

50 people protested outside Israeli arms dealer Elbit Systems’ Cambridge Innovation Center; three chained themselves to the blocked door.

October 12     Toronto, ON     1 arrest

The violent arrest of a protester by Toronto police at a Human Rights Day rally was caught on camera.

October 13     San Francisco, CA     15 arrests

Protesters padlocked their arms together in front of Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s office, as 200 others chanted, “No more weapons, no more war, peace is what we’re fighting for!”

October 13     New York, NY     61 arrests

Jewish Voice For Peace (JVP) marched to Sen. Shumer’s Park Slope home. Local lawmakers were among those arrested blocking the street with a sit-in. One woman was held overnight for resisting arrest and related charges. Two arrests of protesters on opposing sides were reported earlier at Times Square.

October 16     Washington, DC     49 arrests

If Not Now and JVP activists crossed barriers and blocked four White House entrances calling for a cease fire.

October 18     Boston, MA     6 arrests

Jewish protesters entered the federal building to visit Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s office and call on her to speak out against the war. They were stopped in hallway where they held a sit-in.

October 18     Washington, DC     ~500 arrests

Five thousand protesters led by members of JVP, If Not Now, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice (JFREJ) and other groups rallied on the National Mall before marching to the Cannon House Office Building, where hundreds passed through security and gathered in the building’s rotunda for a sit-in. Organizers declared it was the largest Jewish protest in solidarity with Palestinians ever.

Their chanted slogans – including “not in our name” and “ceasefire now” – resounded thunderously through the building, while at other times they were led in song by rabbis and cantors.

Those who refused orders to leave the building were led away by police and cited for an illegal demonstration in congressional offices before being released.

JVP said, “Many of us are mourning our Israeli and Palestinian friends and loved ones. We are in pain and grief, trying to process a week of horrific violence that has left so many that we know injured, traumatized, kidnapped, or killed. But we refuse to let our grief be weaponized to justify the murder of more Palestinians. As American Jews, we demand a ceasefire now. No genocide in our name.”

October 19     Skokie, IL     7 arrests

Two dozen people held a sit-in at Rep. Jan Schakowsky’s office calling on the Congressional Progressive Caucus vice-president to support legislation guaranteeing protection and human rights for Palestinians. Office staff connected the demonstrators by telephone with the Representative at her office in Washington. Hatem Abudayyeh, chair of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network, asked her, “If Israel has a right to defend itself, why don’t Palestinians have the right to defend themselves?” Seven people refused to leave the office at the end of the business day and were arrested and charged with trespass before being released.

October 20     New York, NY     139 arrests

Democratic Socialists of America organized a march from Bryant Park to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s midtown office, then blocked 5th Avenue chanting “Ceasefire Now!” Busloads of arrestees were carried away, issued summons for disorderly conduct and released.

October 21     Columbus, OH     1 arrest

800 people came “All Out for Gaza” for a loud and unpermitted march that began at the Ohio Statehouse and coursed through the city, adding to the usual crowds and traffic disruption of the Ohio State football game that day. A police commander called it “Columbus’s version of a worldwide dialogue” as they monitored the march and took only one person into custody for disorderly conduct.

October 21     Brooklyn, NY     22 arrests

Thousands joined a Within Our Lifetime organized demonstration in Bay Ridge calling for an end to Israel’s occupation. Police used “sound cannons” to disperse the crowd, and some responded with eggs and firecrackers, leading to clashes. Nineteen were charged with disorderly conduct, three also with resisting arrest. Three juveniles were summoned or reported.

October 22     Skokie, IL     1 arrest

Police arrested an Israel supporter for pepper spraying them as ceasefire demonstrators were also attacked outside an Israel support event. Police also arrested one ceasefire demonstrator who was released later without charges.

October 22     Calgary, AB     1 arrest

Hundreds demonstrated in Olympic Plaza for a ceasefire. Police arrested one during clashes with pro-Israel counter-demonstrators, two of whom were also arrested.

October 24     Coral Gables, FL     4 arrests

Dozens of JVP South Florida members rallied outside Sen. Rick Scott’s office demanding a ceasefire. “We are particularly concerned that Israel seeks to do this in the name of Jews, and we mean to say that you may not do this in our name,” said Alan Levine, one of those arrested for trespass after they entered the building and blocked the entrance with their signs, then refused to leave.    

October 25     Amherst, MA     57 arrests

UMass Students for Justice in Palestine and UMass Dissenters organized a march from the student union to the administration offices to demand the University Chancellor  condemn Israel’s attacks on Gaza and cut the University’s investments and ties with Raytheon and other war contractors. Some 250 students occupied the third floor outside the office for a few hours until the building closed at 6 p.m. Over the next five hours, police arrested 56 students and one university employee, leading them in groups of five to the campus police station for processing.  All were cited for trespass and released by the next morning. Pretrial hearings are set for mid-December.

October 26     New Orleans, LA     3 arrests

Ceasefire protest at an intersection between Tulane and Loyola Universities. Student witnesses say counter demonstrators arrived and one threw an Israeli flag at a truck sporting Palestinian flags. The flag landed in the truck, and when the truck came back around, the driver was holding the Israeli flag and attempted to set it aflame. Fights broke out, resulting in arrests.

October 27     New York, NY     300+ arrests

JVP’s call brought thousands to Grand Central Station during Friday rush hour. As evening approached, rabbis lit shabbat candles and recited the kaddish. “While Shabbat is typically a day of rest, we cannot afford to rest while genocide is unfolding in our names,” said Rabbi May Ye. “The lives of Palestinians and Israelis are intertwined, and safety can only come from justice, equality and freedom for all.” Demonstrators wearing black t-shirts with bold white letters declaring “JEWS SAY CEASE FIRE” filled the grand hall, shutting down the station.

October 28     Hanover, NH     2 arrests

Two students calling for Dartmouth College to divest were evicted from their tent and charged with trespass. Trial has been in recess since March over a subpoena for College President Sian Leah Beilock to testify.

October 29     San Francisco, CA     2 arrests

Following a three-day public fast for a ceasefire outside Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s San Francisco home, two CodePink activists blocked her SUV from leaving, and were charged with “pedestrians in the road.”

October 30     Toronto, ON     6 arrests

Palestine Youth Movement called for ceasefire sit-ins at offices of members of Parliament. Those at the office of Minister of Justice Arif Varani were cited for trespass.

October 30     Toronto, ON     7 arrests

World Beyond War and Canadian unionists blockaded the INKAS armored vehicle factory in the North York district, a supplier for Israel’s army. They called for a ceasefire and an end to Canadian arms sales to Israel.

October 30     Cambridge, MA     9 arrests

A Palestine Action U.S. demonstration outside the Cambridge office of Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest arms company, drew 200 people. When activists tried to move a barricade, police charged and a clash ensued. Smoke bombs and eggs were thrown and police used pepper spray. Those arrested face a litany of charges, including vandalizing property, assault and battery on a police officer, possession of an incendiary device (the smoke bombs), resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. All pled not guilty.

October 31     Washington, DC     12 arrests

CodePink members stood to shout “Ceasefire now!” and repeatedly interrupted the testimonies of Secretary of State Blinken and Secretary of Defense (sic) Austin during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. Twelve were eventually removed from the room.

November 1     Providence, RI     2 arrests

Two Rhode Island School of Design students were arrested for vandalism, accused of anti-war graffiti on the building of the arms merchant Textron. Police used surveillance video to track them down in their dorm rooms.

November 2     Durham, NC     4 arrests

Four women were charged with impeding traffic two days after hundreds of ceasefire marchers shut down a major highway for three hours during the afternoon rush hour. All four turned themselves in and were released with a promise to appear.

November 2     Philadelphia, PA     350 arrests

JVP–Philadelphia, Philly Palestine Coalition and If Not Now–Philadelphia brought together an estimated 500 people calling for a ceasefire, including dozens of faith leaders. They took over the major 30th Street train station, blocking access to many platforms and shutting it down during rush hour.

November 2     Washington, DC     52 arrests

Ceasefire sit-ins at several Senate offices led to arrests of those in the offices of Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.

November 3     Oakland, CA     9 arrests

A blockade at the Port of Oakland delayed for nine hours the departure of a vessel activists believed to be carrying military supplies to Israel. At least three people were detained after climbing a ladder leading to the ship. The same ship was the target of protest at the Port of Tacoma, Washington days later, but no arrests were reported.

November 4     Washington, DC     1 arrest

Many ceasefire demonstrations and reports of graffiti across the city resulted in only one arrest after “Free Gaza” graffiti and a window was broken at a McDonald’s restaurant.

November 5     Calgary, AB     1 arrest

A man was charged with causing a disturbance with a hate motivation for leading a ceasefire rally in the controversial chant, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!” Prosecutors dismissed the charge after widespread protest.

November 8     Coral Gables, FL     1 arrest

Sit-in at the office of Sen. Rick Scott.

November 8     Bangor, ME     7 arrests

Sit-in at the office of Rep. Jared Golden.

November 8     Washington, DC     10 arrests

Mostly students from six universities were cited for a ceasefire protest at the House Judiciary Committee hearing.

November 8     Providence, RI     20 arrests

BrownU Jews for Ceasefire were charged with trespass for occupying the administration building, calling on the University to promote peace by divesting in war industries. Charges were dropped after a hate-crime shooting in New Hampshire paralyzed a Palestinian student at Brown who had attended the demonstration.

November 9     Chicago, IL     28 arrests

UChicago United for Palestine students and faculty sit-in at Rosenwald Hall administration building, demanding the University agree to a public meeting and to divest from Israel. Twenty-six students and two professors were cited for trespass.

November 9     Orlando, FL     1 arrest

Florida Palestine Network blocked the road at the C4 Advanced Tactical Systems warehouse. One was charged for resisting without violence after pulling away when a cop tried to stop them from walking in front of a car.

November 9     Chicago, IL     1 arrest

Hundreds protested outside fundraiser for President Biden.

November 9     Washington, DC     5 arrests

Catholic peace activists occupied the Hart Senate office building, calling for a ceasefire after forming a cross with their bodies on the lobby floor.

November 9     Washington, DC     5 arrests

About Face: Veterans Against War were arrested for a ceasefire sit-in at Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s office.

November 9     Montreal, QC     7 arrests

A live-streamed, seven-hour sit-in outside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s local office demanded he call for a ceasefire. They were forcibly removed by police and charged with obstruction.

November 9     Portland, OR     6 arrests

Ceasefire demonstrators, including Reed College students, converged on the World Trade Center office of Sen. Jeff Merkley. Some entered the building and painted slogans on windows before police broke up the demonstration, charging four students and two others with trespass and disorderly conduct, and four with felony criminal mischief.

November 10     New York, NY     7 arrests

Large evening ceasefire protest outside Grand Central Terminal closed the station.

November 10     Waltham, MA     7 arrests

Ceasefire demonstrators joined a Brandeis University demonstration after Students for Justice in Palestine was banned by the school. Police eventually moved in and stopped the protest, variously charging three students and four others with disorderly conduct, trespassing and battery of an officer. At arraignment, all entered not guilty pleas.

November 10     Portland, ME     7 arrests

Trespass charges for sit-in at Rep. Chellie Pingree’s office.

November 10     Toronto, ON     3 arrests

Protesters blockaded four area war industries, including L3 and Lockheed Martin. They were charged with mischief, covering their face while committing an indictable offense and interfering with lawful use of property. They were held two nights before release on bail.

November 13     Toronto, ON     3 arrests

A solidarity protest disrupted Scotiabank’s Giller Prize gala, with demonstrators jumping on stage with signs reading “Scotiabank Funds Genocide!”

November 13     Oakland, CA     450 arrests

Hours-long sit-in by JVP, If Not Now and others at the federal building ended with evening arrests and charges of failure to disperse.

November 13     Chicago, IL     106 arrests

Cease fire demonstrators blocked the escalator from the train station leading into Accenture Tower, where the Israeli consulate is located. They were cited for trespass and escorted from the building.

November 14     Vancouver, BC     2 arrests

One hundred police clashed with 250 protesters outside the restaurant where Prime Minister Trudeau was dining. One protester was charged with obstructing police; the other for assaulting police.

November 14     Staten Island, NY     5 arrests

Three adults and two juveniles were charged during clashes with police at the “Flood Staten Island for Gaza” demonstration outside Borough Hall.

November 14     Chicago, IL     1 arrest

Investigating video evidence of “Free Palestine” and related graffiti, University of Chicago police trailed a Palestinian American student and arrested and handcuffed her inside a classroom, took her into custody and held her for hours, prompting community outrage. Charges were dismissed a week later.

November 15     Washington, DC     1 arrest

Two hundred people demanded a ceasefire outside the Democratic National Committee office. Police moved in forcefully to clear the crowd with pepperspray when all the doors had been blocked, provoking a melee that injured 90 demonstrators and six police. There was one arrest for assaulting police.

November 16     San Francisco, CA     81 arrests

Morning rush hour ceasefire demonstration shut down the Bay Bridge. Three bystanders had charges dismissed while 78 took a pretrial diversion to complete five hours of community service and pay a share of restitution to a woman who had a medical emergency while stuck in traffic…

November 16     San Francisco, CA     2 arrests

A die-in forced Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gala attendees to step over bloody effigies of Gaza war casualties.

November 16     Toronto, ON     1 arrest

A demonstrator was charged with mischief for postering a Starbucks over the company’s alleged support of Israel.

November 17     Washington, DC     3 arrests

Hundreds protested for a ceasefire at Union Station, disrupting Friday rush-hour transit.

November 17     New York, NY     16 arrests

Shut it Down for Palestine demonstration occupied NewsCorp headquarters over Fox News network support for the war on Gaza.

November 17     New York, NY     20 arrests

Two entrances to the Bank of New York/Mellon headquarters were blocked by demonstrators demanding divestment from Israeli arms firm Elbit.

November 17     Ann Arbor, MI     40 arrests

Some of 250 demonstrators pushed their way into the Ruthven Administration Building at the University of Michigan, demanding divestment from war industries and genocide. Ten police agencies responded to arrest 40 for trespass, barring them from the building for one year. In May, prosecutors filed felony charges of resisting/obstructing/assaulting a law enforcement officer against four of those arrested.

November 18     Coral Gables, FL     4 arrests

Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) South Florida rallied outside Senator Rick Scott’s office, some blocking the entrance. 

November 19     Calgary, AB     4 arrests

One hundred marchers out of 2,000 supporting peace and justice for Palestine broke away, leading to arrests when some tried to push through police barriers.

November 20     Merrimack, NH     3 arrests

Palestine Action U.S. activists were arrested on the roof of the Elbit Systems office. The doors had been chained shut, graffiti painted on walls and windows broken, leading to charges of riot, sabotage, criminal mischief, trespass and disorderly conduct. In February, a New Hampshire grand jury indicted the three women on charges of felony riot, conspiracy to commit criminal mischief, burglary and conspiracy to commit falsifying physical evidence. Each charge carries a possible three-and-a-half to seven-year prison sentence. A fourth defendant, Paige Belanger, was arrested in January and indicted in May on charges of riot, criminal mischief, conspiracy to commit criminal mischief and conspiracy to commit burglary. Calla Walsh’s phone was seized after her arrest in November and given to the FBI for use in an investigation it has opened into connections between Elbit’s nemesis Palestine Action UK and James Chambers, a Cox Communications heir and vocal supporter of Palestine Action US who posted $45,000 cash bail for the three original defendants. The phone has since been returned to local police, who are seeking permission to search it for evidence of the alleged conspiracy…

November 22     Toronto, ON     11 arrests

Despite that warrants were issued the previous afternoon in a case of alleged vandalism, police raided seven homes of anti-war activists, including teachers and academics, in the pre-dawn hours. They broke down doors, confiscated computers and cell phones, ransacked property and handcuffed residents who were not among those arrested. The charges are also alleged to be hate crimes associated with graffiti and postering at the Indigo Bookstore, whose owner provides support for Canadians enlisting in the Israeli military.

November 23     New York, NY     34 arrests

Ceasefire demonstrators joined the Thanksgiving Day parade, some gluing their hands to the pavement and marking themselves with fake blood. Thirty were issued summons and four were criminally charged for trespass, disorderly conduct, harassment and/or resisting arrest.

November 24     Atlanta, GA     8 arrests

Black Friday demonstration at Lenox Square overflowed into the streets, with arrests for refusing to disperse.

November 26     Boston, MA     1 arrest

University of Massachusetts professor was charged with disorderly conduct for leading a demonstration at the Logan International Airport baggage claim area.

November 26     New York, NY     3 arrests

Hundreds of JVP ceasefire demonstrators blocked the Manhattan Bridge, many wearing bold “CEASEFIRE NOW” t-shirts. Three arrests were made, including for graffiti.

November 28     Washington, DC     4 arrests

Demonstrators demanding “Ceasefire Now” were arrested at the Capitol Hill Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

November 29     Pomona, CA     1 arrest

A Claremont Colleges lecturer was charged with trespass while playing music and directing students towards a pro-Palestine protest outside Bridges Auditorium. Campus police confirmed that the professor was, as he told them, “arrested following [his] attempt to leave the area.” Charges were dropped a week later.

November 29     Regina, SK     5 arrests

Trespass charges were issued for the blockade of a major rail line demanding a ceasefire, “even if it means putting our bodies on the line against the continued flow of capital.”

November 29     New York, NY     7 arrests

Police blocked demonstrators from bringing a large Palestinian flag into the traditional tree-lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center, arresting six adults and one juvenile.

November 30     Tucson, AZ     26 arrests

Early morning ceasefire blockades closed two gates of Raytheon’s operations at the University of Arizona Tech Park, leading to trespass charges. A public radio reporter doing her job was among those arrested.

December 1     Montreal, QC     9 arrests

Calling for a permanent ceasefire now, activists blocked a rail line to interrupt Canadian support for Israel.

December 3     Denver, CO     12 arrests

A JVP action shut down Speer Boulevard in front of the Jewish National Fund’s annual Global Conference with calls for a ceasefire.

December 6     San Francisco, CA     1 arrest

While faith leaders locked arms and walked across the Golden Gate Bridge in a ceasefire demonstration, one person was arrested as he raised the Palestinian flag on a nearby flagpole.

December 7      Ann Arbor, MI     1 arrest

Protesting the University of Michigan Board of Regents’ policy of investing in Israel and arms, one person was arrested and another escorted out of the board meeting.

December 9     Miami, FL     2 arrests

Police prohibited the use of a bullhorn at a demonstration. A juvenile who pushed against police was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, as was a man who intervened in the teen’s arrest.

December 9     Iowa City, IA     9 arrests

A holiday party hosted by the University president at Kinnick Stadium was blockaded and doors were locked shut to protest “the University of Iowa’s partnerships with weapons manufacturers who are aiding in the slaughter of Palestinians.” All were charged with trespassing, interference with official acts and disorderly conduct. They pled guilty in April to disorderly conduct and will pay fines and $1,000 damages.

December 9     Royal Oak, MI     2 arrests

Aggressive policing of a march led to the arrest of two men who were held for four hours and charged with obstruction, assaulting a police officer and disorderly conduct.

December 10     Toronto, ON     1 arrest

One person was arrested for assaulting a police officer in the midst of a pro-Palestinian demonstration that started outside the U.S. Consulate in Toronto.

December 11     Washington, DC     18 arrests

Hours before the White House Hanukkah party, “Jewish Elders for Palestinian Freedom” – women wearing shirts declaring “Not In Our Name” –  locked themselves to the White House fence. They face federal misdemeanor charges.

December 11     Washington, DC     49 arrests

Before being arrested, demonstrators scattered children’s shoes on the floor of the Capitol Rotunda to remember Palestinian children who have been killed in the conflict. All were charged with incommoding and two also with resisting arrest.

December 12     Providence, RI     41 arrests

Brown University students were arrested after a sit-in at University Hall, demanding divestment. They were booked on-site for trespass and released. At their bench trial in May, Judge Nicholas Parrillo entered a not guilty filing, with the charges expunged after six months of good behavior. He noted that none had a criminal record and he thought their protest was respectful. “I think this is a reflection of what nonviolent and peaceful resistance, frankly, is supposed to look like,” he said.

December 13     Los Angeles, CA     75 arrests

If Not Now organized about 100 people to bring morning rush hour traffic to a halt with a blockade of the 101 Freeway through downtown. Being Hanukkah, a 7-foot menorah was set up to complete the scene. Scuffles broke out with angry motorists.

December 14     Chicago, IL     13 arrests

The Washington Street bridge was shut down for a short time by a ceasefire blockade.

December 15     Philadelphia, PA     32 arrests

Jewish Voice for Peace demonstrators hung “Let Gaza Live” and “Ceasefire Now” banners from a bridge over I-76 through downtown, then some stopped their cars on the freeway, where they got out and blocked the road for 25 minutes.

December 17     Toronto, ON     2 arrests

An altercation with police took place during a demonstration at a Zara store. The clothing company is a target of protest over offensive “war porn” advertising and ties to Israel’s right wing.

December 19     Washington, DC     60 arrests

Police roughly removed an occupation of the Capitol Rotunda featuring a display of children’s shoes representing those killed in Palestine, and protesters were arrested for “crowding, obstructing, or incommoding” in violation of D.C. Code § 22–1307, a common misdemeanor citation for such protests in D.C. 

December 23     Philadelphia, PA     2 arrests

Hundreds of demonstrators marched through the city center, calling for a ceasefire amidst last-minute Christmas shoppers. Disorderly conduct arrests were made near Rittenhouse Square.

December 23     San Francisco, CA     4 arrests

Hundreds demonstrated in San Francisco calling for a permanent ceasefire, and police arrested four in Union Square for assault and vandalism.

December 25     New York, NY      6 arrests

A Christmas Day demonstration of hundreds in midtown led to arrests for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and graffiti.

December 26     Montreal, QC     1 arrest

Police arrested one man for unlawful assembly and assaulting a police officer at a Boxing Day demonstration.

December 27     New York, NY      26 arrests

Protesters were arrested for blocking the road leading to JFK Airport.

December 27     Los Angeles, CA     36 arrests

About the same time as the New York airport blockade, an approach road to the Los Angeles International Airport was blocked by traffic cones, dumpsters and debris. Some blockaders dispersed and others were arrested and charged with rioting and one charge of battery of a police officer.

December 28     Fairfield, CA     14 arrests

After a dawn rally, some of 150 demonstrators blocked traffic at all four gates of Travis Air Force Base. Arrested and taken to county jail, they were charged with unlawful assembly and released.

January 6     Seattle, WA     12 arrests

Demonstrators used a dozen vehicles to block I-5 for four hours. Police made only a few arrests initially pending investigation. By April, charges against 12 people had been referred to prosecutors, and six people were formally charged, five with criminal trespass and disorderly conduct and one with disorderly conduct only. All pled not guilty on May 1.

January 8     Dallas, TX     13 arrests

Palestine Youth Movement and others blocked an entrance to Love Field airport in protest of President Biden’s arrival there and were charged with obstruction.

January 8     New York, NY      325 arrests

A series of sit-ins disrupted rush-hour traffic at the Holland Tunnel and three major Manhattan bridges.

January 9     Washington, DC     6 arrests

Twenty people had a sit-in at the office of Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD), chanting, “Which side are you on, Glenn Ivey?” and “Ceasefire!” Six refused orders to leave and were arrested for incommoding.

January 11     Portland, OR     20 arrests

Demonstrators calling attention to South Africa’s charge of genocide against Israel before the International Court of Justice blocked a downtown street in front of the federal building with banners reading “Jews Say Ceasefire Now” and “Never Again For Anyone.”  They pled no contest to disorderly conduct and will have charges dismissed upon completing 16 hours of community service. Annie, one of the arrestees, told a press conference, “Netanyahu has blocked roads, blocked borders and blocked aid trucks, while killing at least 30,000 people, but he has not faced any consequences or punishment. Meanwhile, we block ONE intersection for 30 minutes and get arrested. Where is the justice in that? Peaceful protest is not a crime; genocide IS. The true criminals are Netanyahu and Biden. When will they get arrested? As a climate activist, I also have to point out that these criminals are doing more than destroying a people and a culture, they are also devastating the environment in Gaza.”

January 13     Washington, DC     2 arrests

Two protesters were charged for damaging the security fence at the White House at the end of the March for Gaza.

January 14     Toronto, ON     3 arrests

After a series of “awareness” protests and banner drops from bridges around the city, a new policy forbid such actions at the Avenue Road Bridge downtown. Demonstrators nevertheless turned out days later for a large demonstration and banner drop from that bridge, resulting in one charged with mischief and two others with obstructing police.

January 15     New York, NY      3 arrests

A march through Manhattan targeted McDonalds, Starbucks and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center over ties to Israel. 

January 16     Washington, DC     150 arrests

In the Rotunda of the Cannon House Office Building, Mennonite Action held a sit-in with prayer, song and chanting, calling for “a permanent ceasefire, a release of all hostages, and an end to the occupation of Palestine.” 

January 17     Tewksbury, MA     18 arrests

Red paint was splashed on the sign of Raytheon/RTX during a protest of the war on Gaza. Initial charges of disorderly conduct were investigated, and most were dismissed in March.

January 20     Eugene, OR     2 arrests

There were two arrests for disorderly conduct during a protest march through city streets around the University of Oregon.

January 20     New York, NY     10 arrests

Amid daily marches across the city for a permanent ceasefire and an end to the genocide, at least ten people were arrested.

January 21     Chicago, IL     6 arrests

A protest march attempted to blockade I-55 at Harlem Avenue, near O’Hare International Airport. Police blocked a car caravan before it could enter the expressway. People then left their cars to walk onto the highway. Some vehicles were towed from the scene and state police arrested four for disobeying a police officer, obstruction of justice, battery to a police officer, resisting arrest and various vehicle violations. Chicago police arrested two others.

January 22     Toronto, ON     1 arrest

Another person was arrested for mischief, related to the vandalism investigation into a November 22 incident of graffiti and postering at Indigo Books, while charges against four of the original 11 defendants have been dropped. The bookstore owner provides support for Canadians enlisting in the Israeli military.

January 22     West Hartford, CT     1 arrest

In February, weeks after the demonstration where graffiti was left on multiple businesses, police charged Hicham Talal with one count of third-degree intimidation based on bigotry or bias and one count of second-degree criminal mischief. He was released on $50,000 bond.

January 23     San Luis Obispo, CA     9 arrests

Some of dozens of demonstrators against a career fair featuring Gaza war profiteers tried to push their way into the event at the California Polytechnic University recreation center. All were charged with misdemeanor battery of a police officer, including one professor. One person was additionally charged with obstructing or resisting police.  Seven pled not guilty in March.

January 23     St. Louis, MO     1 arrest

About 50 Washington University students and others started chanting for a ceasefire, interrupting the city council meeting. The meeting was shut down, and one person was arrested for trespass.

January 26     Austin, TX     1 arrest

Jarrid Cornell was held overnight following his arrest for trespass, resisting arrest and evading. He was attending a University of Texas Graduate School of Business event titled, “Israel’s Moral War.” The event description said that the main speaker, a former Israeli military intelligence officer, would “explain why it might be morally necessary for Israel to not only see Hamas, but the Palestinian population at large as an enemy.”

Cornell used his phone to video the speaker and those who then asked questions. When he stood to record one particular questioner, police intervened and demanded he stop.

On the video he was recording, Cornell calmly questions why he must stop when others in the audience were also recording. Police grabbed Cornell as he tried to leave, and he was arrested. Prosecutors only found cause to file a charge of resisting arrest.

January 26     Renton, WA     10 arrests

A ceasefire sit-in at the office of Rep. Adam Smith ended with police escorting demonstrators out in handcuffs at the end of the day.

January 27     Brooklyn, NY     10 arrests

Eight hundred people marched down Broadway from Union Square, chanting.

January 30     Washington, DC     5 arrests

CodePink activists holding up “bloodied” hands were ejected from a congressional hearing on defunding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) following Israel’s charge that UNRWA employees took part in Hamas’ October 7 attack.

January 31     Toronto, ON     3 arrests

In April, more than two months after they took part in a sit-in protest inside the office of Israeli-Canadian business Awz Ventures, police charged three activists with forcible entry, mischief to property, member of an unlawful assembly, member of an unlawful assembly while masked and failure to leave premises when directed. 

February 1     Washington, DC     23 arrests

Multiple rush-hour blockades around town disrupted government workers with the demand for a permanent ceasefire and the end of all U.S. aid to Israel.

February 1     Warren, MI     1 arrest

Police said Maherr Salah Jaeran walked into President Biden’s motorcade route during a demonstration and assaulted an officer. Organizers said that demonstrators were returning to their cars when police in riot gear plucked Jaeran from the rear of the crowd. He was held overnight and arraigned on felony charges of assaulting, resisting and obstructing police, and a $5,000 bond was set.

February 2      Louisville, KY     15 arrests

Ceasefire demonstrators seeking to disrupt weapons commerce blocked all entrances to the Naval Ordnance complex, located just across a major railroad corridor from the international airport. RTX and BAE Systems, both suppliers to Israel’s military, are tenants there. Blockaders were charged with trespassing upon key infrastructure.

February 2     Portland,  ME     11 arrests

From a rally for Palestine of about 200 people, some blocked the road for about 45 minutes before being arrested. All were released on $60 bail.

February 2     New York, NY      9 arrests

Demonstrators were arrested during protests in and around Columbia University.

February 5     Harrisburg, PA     126 arrests

Jewish Voice for Peace, the Philly Palestine Coalition and the Pennsylvania Council on American-Islamic Relations demonstrated outside the Pennsylvania State Capital Building against the state’s $56 million investment in Israel bonds.  Later, scores of people wearing “Divest from Genocide, Invest in Pennsylvania” t-shirts moved to occupy the rotunda, where at least 126 were arrested, cited for trespass and released.

February 5     Chicago, IL     2 arrests

Two Northwestern University students, who in October produced a parody of the campus newspaper that blazoned “Northwestern Complicit in Genocide of Palestinians”, were charged under a little-known state law originally aimed at the distribution of Ku Klux Klan recruiting materials in newspapers. The law prohibits inserting an “unauthorized advertisement in a newspaper or periodical.” The students, both of whom are black, faced a fine and jail time until the charges were dropped two days later, after widespread criticism of the prosecution.

February 7     New York, NY      61 arrests

Multiple demonstrations met President Biden on his visit to New York, including dozens of people who blocked Fifth Avenue in front of a building where Biden was fundraising, with banners declaring “Jews to Biden: Stop Funding Genocide of Palestinians.” The blockaders were arrested and cited for disorderly conduct, then released.

February 7     Niles, IL     33 arrests

Youth-led activists blocked five entrances to Woodward MPC, a manufacturer of “control actuation systems” for tactical missiles and guided weapons. The activists said the company is making parts for Boeing-produced bombs used in Gaza. The blockade held for more than six hours until police made arrests, issued citations to seven men and 26 women for unlawful assembly, and released all from custody.

February 7     Fairfield, CA     5 arrests

Using banners, ceasefire activists blocked the entry road to Travis Air Force Base, then dispersed when police ordered them to. A short while later, a second wave of blockaders was met by a line of police in riot gear who moved on them quickly and grabbed and arrested as many as they could.

February 8     Miami, FL     1 arrest

During a demonstration at Florida International University, one man was arrested for battery of a police officer and held overnight, alleged to have tried to pull the cop into the crowd “with such force that the defendant almost pulled the victim’s watch off his wrist.”

February 8     Plymouth, MN     6 arrests

Dozens of people assembled at 4 a.m. to block the entrance of a Northrup Grumman arms factory with locking devices and banners. Most complied when police arrived and ordered them to disperse, but four were cited for impeding traffic and two who were locked down between steel drums were removed and charged with trespass. One of the locked-down activists told Unicorn Riot, “I’m out here today because the weapons that are being manufactured at this facility are being sold to empires around the world, including Israel, for genocide and violence. And knowing that these weapons are being produced right here in our communities in the heart of empire, we have a responsibility to stand up and take action. And today, in Minneapolis, there’s politicians debating whether or not to call for a ceasefire. And I’m tired of waiting for politicians to take action.”

February 9     New York, NY      1 arrest

About 200 New Yorkers joined a demonstration that marched on the headquarters of the online streaming platform Hulu, over an ad featuring faux images of pristine Gaza beaches and smiling children, claiming “this is what Gaza could have been like without Hamas.” Police arrested one organizer on a noise violation over the use of amplification equipment for the march.

February 9     Seattle, WA     4 arrests

About 100 people demonstrated outside the World Trade Center Seattle over its support of Israel’s war on Gaza. Four people were arrested when police moved in to disperse the rally and clear a vehicle and human blockade of the driveway. One of those arrested, a 62-year-old school teacher, suffered a head injury as police knocked her to the ground. She was released to the hospital after three hours in custody, while the others were released the next day with charges of pedestrian interference, obstruction and assault. Meanwhile, police were filmed stabbing holes in the tires of three of the vehicles before they were removed from the road.

February 10     Brooklyn, NY     11 arrests

Within Our Lifetime organized a protest outside the Brooklyn Museum over its corporate partnership with financial institutions deeply invested in Israel’s arms production. Ten people were arrested on various charges including resisting arrest, assault, unreasonable noise, harassment and obstructing governmental administration. Another summons was issued for using a “sound reproduction device” without a permit.

February 11     Oakland, CA     2 arrests

CodePink activists returned to Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s home in an ongoing protest of her support for Israel’s war on Gaza and with their plea for her reconsideration. Cynthia Papermaster, concluding a 20-day hunger strike for Gaza, brought plenty of washable red tempera paint that was poured onto the sidewalks and street around the house and used to mark handprints on Pelosi’s garage doors. Heather Phipps was arrested at the scene and jailed on two counts of felony damage over $400. Brought to court later that week, she pled not guilty and was released.

Papermaster was not detained, but a few days later she was notified she’d been charged with a misdemeanor. Rather than mailing her a citation, the San Francisco police wanted her to come down to the station and talk about it. She passed on the invitation.

A month later, she called to ask about the status of her citation. Unbeknownst until she asked, Papermaster got an upgrade to the same felony charges as Phipps. She was encouraged to turn herself in if she wanted to control the time of her arrest and make arrangements for her service dog should she be detained in the process. When she surrendered in late March she was held overnight. After pleading not guilty the next morning, Papermaster was held for hours more before finally being released on her own recognizance at 9 p.m. She was ordered to stay away from the Pelosi residence and have no contact with Pelosi or her husband.

February 12     New York, NY      13 arrests

Monday morning commute in Manhattan was disrupted by ceasefire street protests backing up traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge, Midtown Tunnel and Holland Tunnel.

February 12     Wilmington, DE     21 arrests

With signs demanding “Fund Climate, Not Genocide”, almost two dozen Sunrise Movement activists demonstrated inside the office building housing President Biden’s campaign headquarters, warning that the incumbent will lose the critical support of young voters unless he ends his support for Israel’s war and takes bolder climate action. When they did not leave, they were arrested, taken away in handcuffs and later released on charges of criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.

February 15     Washington, DC     13 arrests

United We Dream staged a ceasefire die-in in the Rotunda of the Cannon House Office Building, joining that call to their mission of protecting immigrant rights in the United States.

February 16     New York, NY     8 arrests

Friday afternoon commute through midtown Manhattan was disrupted by a city-wide school walkout as college and high school students marched down Fifth Avenue for a ceasefire and Free Palestine. After a stop in front of the New York Times building, just off Times Square, at least eight were arrested when they refused to leave the street.

February 22     Raleigh, NC     26 arrests

Nearly 100 people participated in a Jewish Voice for Peace protest and die-in on Fayetteville Street, downtown. Chants and signs were directed at U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross, demanding she call for a ceasefire. Traffic was disrupted and those arrested were released after processing.

February 22     New York, NY      20 arrests

Jewish Voice for Peace activists, wearing black t-shirts declaring “Not In Our Name” and prayer shawls, demonstrated outside the midtown offices of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kristen Gillibrand. Citations were issued for disorderly conduct and one person was also charged with resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration.

February 26     New York, NY      51 arrests

Hundreds of anti-Zionist Jews and allies filled the lobby of Rockefeller Center during President Biden’s scheduled appearance on Seth Meyer’s TV show. A chant of “Not another nickel, not another dime, no more money for genocide” rang through the building as they sat behind banners reading “Lasting Ceasefire”, “Jews to Biden – Stop Arming Genocide” and “The Whole World is Watching”.

February 27     Washington, DC     1 arrest

At a hearing about U.S. Navy clashes with Houthi militias in Yemen, a CodePink activist told Senators to secure Red Sea shipping by ending support for Israel’s war on Gaza. She was removed from the room and arrested.

February 29      Amity Township, PA     7 arrests

The road in front of Aydin Displays, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, was blocked by a memorial service featuring a reading of 300 names of civilians killed in Gaza by the Israeli military. Dozens of shoes, mostly children’s, were placed in the road to represent the victims. Arrestees were charged with disorderly conduct.

March 2     New York, NY     11 arrests

Thousands joined the Hands Off Rafah! march through pouring rain, calling for a ceasefire. Arrests occurred near the end of the march when police tried to drive through the crowd in response to reports of a grenade in Times Square, prompting clashes.

March 2     Los Angeles, CA     5 arrests

Police reported making four vandalism related arrests at a demonstration – two for felonies, two for misdemeanors and a fifth arrest of a person who tried to free one of the others being arrested.

March 4     Montreal, QC     2 arrests

More than 100 people demonstrated outside an event featuring members of the Israeli Defense Forces. Two were arrested on allegation of harassing attendees.

March 7      Boston, MA     47 arrests

More than 300 people blocked traffic at South Station during the morning rush hour on the day President Biden delivered the State of the Union address.

March 7      Garland, TX     23 arrests

Anti-war demonstrators used vehicles and their bodies to block the entrance to a General Dynamics munitions factory that sends some of its products to Israel. Five were charged with obstructing a roadway and the others with trespass, while 13 vehicles were towed away.

March 7     Washington, DC     2 arrests

After Capitol police ordered an altar to the slain children of Gaza removed from a table outside Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s locked office, CodePink activists Cynthia Papermaster and Susan Witka, both Pelosi constituents, were arrested when they remained to persistently demand a meeting with their congresswoman.

March 8      Chicago, IL     33 arrests

A large coalition of area groups organized a 24-hour public reading of 10,000 names of Palestinians killed during the assault on Gaza. The memorial reading and vigil in front of the Kluczynski Federal Building began on  March 7. Before 8 a.m. the next morning, after the names had all been read aloud, about 40 people blocked a nearby intersection, snarling downtown traffic until 33 were arrested and the intersection was cleared. They were cited for obstructing traffic.

March 8      Chicago, IL     30 arrests

Two other demonstrations in the city later in the day also resulted in arrests.

March 8      Miami, FL     1 arrest

A Students for Justice in Palestine activist was arrested for assault and battery during a protest of a Florida International University campus event hosting Israeli soldiers.

March 10      Los Angeles, CA     1 arrest

The Academy Awards provided a high-visibility venue for demanding a ceasefire. Multiple street and intersection occupations in Hollywood delayed the arrival of some celebrities but only one arrest was reported.

March 10      Teaneck, NJ     2 arrests

A seminar on buying real estate in Israel and Occupied Palestine, held at a local synagogue, was the target of a protest. Police made arrests after demonstrators reportedly threw things at vehicles and pedestrians.

March 11      Heath, OH     5 arrests

By 4 a.m., three entrances to a Boeing factory were shut down. One was blocked by two activists who locked on to a disabled vehicle, while two others were suspended from two bridges entering the plant in a way that prevented their use. It took police and fire crews a few hours to cut the top off the vehicle to separate the activists, and safely take the climbing activists down from their perches. All four and another person taken into custody during the action are charged with felony obstruction of justice. Boeing has reportedly sought to have critical social media posts that highlight their role in arming genocide removed.

March 11      Richmond, VA     10 arrests

Ceasefire protesters climbed an embankment onto I-95S, where they bound themselves together with two ladders, chains and “sleeping dragon” devices, blocking all traffic. When police arrived, they formed a line that lifted, carried and pushed the entire blockade onto the shoulder. Various charges were filed, and six were jailed overnight.

March 14      New York, NY      124 arrests

Actions targeted The New York Times, first at the loading dock of the printing facility in Queens, and then at the midtown Manhattan editorial offices where arrests were made.

March 14      Fairfield, CA     5 arrests

Joint actions at two California air force bases saw five people arrested blocking the north entrance to Travis Air Force Base.

March 14      Marysville, CA     5 arrests

Occupy Beale activists shut down two gates to Beale Air Force Base for over a hour, resulting in five arrests.

March 12      Seattle, WA     1 arrest

One woman was arrested for graffiti at a Resist U.S. Led War protest of the Boeing-sponsored Aerospace and Defense Supplier Summit. The meeting was moved online in anticipation of the protest.

March 15      Toronto, ON     1 arrest

A Liberal Party fundraiser for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was the occasion for a large demonstration at the downtown hotel hosting the event.

March 16      New Orleans, LA     1 arrest

Students at Tulane University picked the weekend their campus hosted the New Orleans Bookfest to occupy an administration building and hold a die-in to protest the school’s partnership with Israel.

March 19      Sacramento, CA     12 arrests

After several warnings about outbursts from the audience, the mayor ordered city council chambers cleared during the debate on a proposed ceasefire ordinance that eventually passed. Those arrested were booked into jail on charges of unlawful assembly and failure to disperse.

March 20      Burbank, CA     4 arrests

If Not Now/Los Angeles demonstrated at the entrance to Rep. Adam Schiff’s office, requesting a meeting to ask his support for a permanent ceasefire, that he refuse money from the Israel lobby and advocate for an end to unconditional military support for Israel. They literally got a foot in the door, late in the day, and were able to ask if Schiff could be reached on the phone to talk with them. Staff refused the request and called police, who eventually arrested four for trespass.

March 21      Washington, DC     12 arrests

Christians for Ceasefire held a prayer vigil on Capitol Hill, followed by nonviolent action at the Russell Senate Office Building.

March 22      Merrimack, NH     8 arrests

Israeli war industry Elbit Systems was again the target of protest when ceasefire demonstrators blocked the entrance and exit. They were arrested and charged with criminal trespass and resisting arrest.

March 22      Ithaca, NY     24 arrests

The Coalition for Mutual Liberation sat in at Cornell University’s Day Hall to demand the university call for a ceasefire and divest from weapons makers complicit in Israel’s “plausible” genocide. Later, undergrad students voted 2:1 to divest from ten such companies.

March 22      Fairfield, CA     11 arrests

Activists were arrested for blockading Travis Air Force base.

March 22      Boston, MA     13 arrests

The inauguration of the new Emerson College President was the occasion for a ceasefire protest leading to the arrest of twelve students and one other person.

March 26      Stony Brook, NY     9 arrests

A day of action organized by State University of New York Stony Brook Boycott, Divestment and Sanction included a permitted march on campus. As the march concluded, about 30 students broke away to occupy the administration building. They asked for a meeting with the Board of Trustees. Some left when police arrived, and those remaining were arrested, including one alumnus and one community member.

March 2     Nashville, TN     27 arrests

Twenty-five Vanderbilt University students had occupied the administration building overnight, calling for an Israel divestment question on a student government ballot. In the morning, University police implied that the occupiers were being arrested for trespass before escorting them out. Rather than being arrested, 16 participating students were given interim suspensions from the University, while three were charged with assault (one later had that charge dismissed). The three, and another student arrested for vandalism at a demonstration outside the building the night before, were released later that day. A reporter for the Nashville Scene was also arrested for “attempted trespassing” outside the building the night before. At later disciplinary proceedings, three students were expelled from the university, one was suspended and 22 were given disciplinary probation.

March 27     Bakersfield, CA     5 arrests

Several city council meetings had already been disrupted by members of the United Liberation Front chanting and calling for a ceasefire resolution. When the chanting persisted, the mayor ordered the room to be cleared. Scuffles erupted as police forced demonstrators out of the building, and a glass door was broken, wounding a cop. One man was charged with 14 counts related to misdemeanor vandalism, while the others face various charges including trespass, battery of an officer and resisting arrest.

March 28     New Haven, CT     13 arrests

Following a demonstration on the New Haven Green calling on local politicians and representatives to support a ceasefire, a group marched to Union Station, where some disrupted the afternoon commute by blocking an escalator and staircase leading to the commuter railroad tracks.

March 28     New York, NY     1 arrest

At least one person was arrested for disorderly conduct during large demonstrations outside a Biden fundraising event at Radio City Music Hall.

March 28     Tallahassee, FL     2 arrests

“FREE GAZA” was spelled out on concrete bollards outside the Florida State Capitol. Two people were charged with criminal mischief.

March 29     San Francisco, CA     14 arrests

Some from a large group of anti-war demonstrators at a send-off for the USS Harvey Milk, bound for the Mediterranean Sea in support of Israel’s assault on Gaza, breached security and chained themselves to the gangplank. Ten women and four men were arrested and cited for trespass, and five had an added charge of resisting arrest. Cynthia Papermaster (see February 11) attended the demonstration, and was later informed that she had violated a court order to stay away from Nancy Pelosi, who, unbeknownst to Papermaster, attended the send-off.

March 29     King of Prussia, PA     25 arrests

The Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage concluded on Good Friday with a blockade of Lockheed Martin’s corporate campus and arrests for disorderly conduct. Two have been found guilty and fined $20. See full report, page 4.

March 30     Toronto, ON     5 arrests

Police aggression at a ceasefire protest led to arrests.

April 1     Teaneck, NJ     1 arrest

A large police presence separated peaceful ceasefire demonstrators from a private fundraising event at a synagogue. As the evening wound down, police arrested one man for spitting in someone’s face. 

April 5     Claremont, CA     20 arrests

At least 30 police in riot gear from four area towns came into the office of the Pomona College president to arrest student occupiers. Nineteen were charged with trespass and another with obstructing law enforcement for allegedly refusing to clear out of the officer’s path. All were booked for misdemeanor trespass at the Claremont police station. Seven Pomona College students were suspended.

April 5     Houston, TX     3 arrests

Police arrested a man at a Palestine solidarity march and rally for not staying on the sidewalk. Two more were arrested for interfering with his arrest. All were released from jail on a small bond.

April 8     San Antonio, TX     1 arrest

Police apprehended a 21-year-old student spotted painting “anti-Israel graffiti” at Sombrilla Plaza on the University of Texas San Antonio campus. He remained jailed at least two days later on $7,000 bond.

April 9     Washington, DC     53 arrests

Christians for a Free Palestine held a prayer and communion service on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. Following the service, more than 50 people, a majority Christian clergy, held a nonviolent blockade in the Senate Cafeteria in the Dirksen Building. They called for “Food Not Bombs to Gaza” to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, a permanent ceasefire and end to the U.S.-backed Israeli war in Gaza, a halt to U.S. arms and military aid to Israel, release of all captives, and an end to Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine. Those arrested, cited and released included Baptists, Lutherans, Catholics, Presbyterians, Mennonites, Unitarian Universalists, Quakers and members of the United Church of Christ and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All but two paid a fine, and those two are in pre-trial proceedings.

April 9     Washington, DC     1 arrest 

At least one CodePink activist was led away in custody when more than a dozen disrupted the Senate Armed Services Committee testimony of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin with one clear message: STOP THE GENOCIDE IN GAZA! After one Senator asked him to respond to the protesters, he told the committee, “We don’t have any evidence of genocide.”

April 10     Washington, DC     1 arrest

Helen Schietinger interrupted Samantha Power, head of USAID who wrote a book about preventing genocide, as she testified about Gaza, calling it only a “humanitarian crisis.”

April 11     Philadelphia, PA     12 arrests

The “Fridays@Fetterman’s” weekly protest for peace escalated as a group of Christian activists held a sit-in at the Custom House office of Sen. John Fetterman, calling out his support for Israel and demanding an end to U.S. support for Israel’s war. When a group sat down in front of the doors, police gave a warning then arrested those who remained and led them handcuffed from the building.

April 13     St. Louis, MO     12 arrests

Students campaigning for Washington University to divest from Boeing shut down an Admitted Students Day program by occupying the campus chapel where it was being held. Banners were unfurled from the balcony while other demonstrators took the stage. The event was canceled and the chapel was cleared but for 12 students who remained in protest. Two hours later, they emerged from the chapel with a summons to court for trespassing, disturbing the peace and refusing to disperse.

SHUT IT DOWN 4 PALESTINE! APRIL 15

Coordinated global actions in 75 cities, 18 countries and 6 continents aimed at disrupting  the local economy and blockading major traffic routes

April 15     Middletown, CT     10 arrests

Ten people were charged with disorderly conduct for blockading the Pratt & Whitney plant.

April 15     Endicott, NY     1 arrest

Veterans for Peace member Jack Gilroy was arrested for trespass when he attempted to deliver a letter to BAE Systems detailing the company’s violations of law in providing arms to Israel.

April 15     Halifax, NS     21 arrests

Dozens of activists blocked the road to the port, where Israel’s largest transport services company ZIM has an office. Police eventually arrested 21 people for obstructing an officer. All were released later the same day.

April 15     New York, NY     24 arrests

At least two dozen people were arrested during a morning march from Wall Street to the Brooklyn Bridge and a blockade of the busy westbound lanes into Manhattan. “Israel Bombs, Wall Street Profits” read a leading banner. One arrest was reported on Wall Street, and others on the bridge.

April 15     San Francisco, CA     26 arrests

Three major highways were blocked in the San Francisco Bay area. A “Stop the World for Gaza” banner led the blockade of the Golden Gate Bridge, resulting in 26 people being arrested and then released. The San Francisco district attorney suggested charges of conspiracy and false imprisonment might be appropriate, considering the planning evident in executing the action and its impact on commuters trapped in stalled traffic.

April 15     Oakland, CA     12 arrests

Across the Bay in Oakland, I-880 was shut down in two locations for several hours. At one point, both north and south bound lanes were stopped before police could arrest five people at one location and seven at another. Alameda County prosecutors threw the book at some, charging unlawful assembly, remaining at an unlawful assembly, refusal to comply with a lawful order, unlawful stop on bridge, resisting and delaying an officer, unlawful pedestrian on freeway, conspiracy and false imprisonment.

April 15     Chicago, IL     54 arrests

In Chicago, westbound lanes of I-190 leading to O’Hare International Airport Terminals One, Two and Three were blocked for well over an hour by demonstrators demanding a ceasefire, resulting in 40 arrests. They were held about 20 hours before release in the wee hours on misdemeanor charges. Later that day as crowds began to gather for what had become a weekly end-the-war march through city streets, police changed the rules and let it be known they could not march through the streets as they had been. Police efforts to rein in the marches escalated and then turned chaotic around 4:30 p.m. Protesters chanting “Let us march!” attempted to push past a police line and 14 were arrested. Two young students among them were held for up to 32 hours before being released.

April 15     Philadelphia, PA     69 arrests

In Philadelphia, people across the city took part to demand an end to the genocide and occupation in Palestine being carried out by the apartheid government of Israel. Key weapons manufacturer Day & Zimmerman and Philadelphia City Hall reportedly both went on lockdown as a result of these actions. Over 50 people blockaded a major intersection that effectively stopped traffic on I-76 in both directions. Across town a coordinated funeral procession mourning the slaughter of more than 38,000 Palestinians slowed traffic to a near stop on both I-95 north and south bound, while Philly Palestine Coalition took to the streets in the city center with 200 people who formed human chains blocking traffic at multiple intersections. Organizers reported 69 arrests and police said 19 vehicles were towed away. Hatem Abudayyeh, of the United States Palestinian Community Network (USPCN), told Mondoweiss what happened at one blockade: “The police decided they were gonna stop us from marching. They said that we weren’t going to go any further.  And we demanded to continue to march because that’s what we do. It is our free speech right, it’s our constitutional right, and we’ve been doing this for six months. After they stopped us there, they put their hands on us. They initiated the violence, they started pushing and shoving. People have reported that they were being grabbed by the police. They initially arrested two young men, two brothers, and when that happened we made a decision — a tactical decision on the spot, to say ‘we’re not moving until those two brothers are released.’  And what the police did at that point was they singled out the leaders of the coalition. When they went after the leaders of the coalition, they knew exactly what they were doing. They were trying to cut us off from the knees.” All of those arrested were released later that day.

April 15     Eugene, OR     57 arrests

Marchers in Eugene, Oregon got onto I-5, the major west coast freeway from San Diego to Canada that passes through the college town. Police towed 6 vehicles away and the arrestees were jailed overnight. They were arraigned the next morning on disorderly conduct charges and released with court dates.

April 15     Seattle, WA     46 arrests

Traffic into the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport was blocked for three hours by anti-war activists, some in blood-stained white overalls, who sat in the road. Charged with disorderly conduct, 37 pled not guilty in May while some others waived arraignment and hired private attorneys.

April 15     St. Charles, MO     7 arrests

Anti-war demonstrators disrupted Monday morning traffic by blocking the road outside the Boeing bomb factory in St. Charles, Missouri that makes the small-diameter bomb commonly used by Israel in its war on Gaza. Prosecutors pursued charges of unlawful assembly and trespassing.

April 15     Miami, FL     7 arrests

In Miami, about 100 people demonstrated outside PortMiami. Police on horseback, motorcycles and with riot gear stopped the protest march, and several people used sleeping dragons to help block traffic on Biscayne Boulevard until police dragged them away in handcuffs. They were charged with obstructing traffic and unlawful assembly. 

April 15     Newburg, NY     15 arrests

Rush hour demonstrators blocked I-84 where it crosses the Hudson River on the Newburg-Beacon Bridge. Blockaders were charged with misdemeanor trespass and disorderly conduct, and released with court dates.

April 15     Los Angeles, CA     6 arrests

Sunday night about 40 young activists pitched camp outside the Brentwood home of Vice President Harris with demands for more action on the climate and a halt to support for Israel’s war. Monday morning, some blocked a nearby intersection and were arrested for trespass and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors. 

April 15     Montreal, QC     45 arrests

Protests took place across the city, with arrests reported at ScotiaBank, a major investor in Israeli arms maker Elbit. A few dozen people entered the lobby and formed a human chain between the customers and tellers. A journalist who’d been tipped to the scene was present and also arrested, charged as the others were with criminal mischief. All were cited and released.

April 16     New York, NY     4 arrests

Simultaneous worker sit-ins at Google corporate offices in New York and California, live-cast on the Twitch platform, protested the tech giant’s billion-dollar-plus involvement with Israel on Project Nimbus, “an all-encompassing cloud solution” for the military and government.

April 16     Sunnyvale, CA     5 arrests

The companion sit-in at Google’s home office ended with the arrest of five workers protesting Project Nimbus and the eventual termination of the Nimbus Nine and at least 19 more workers.

April 16     Toronto, ON     4 arrests

Following on the global A15 actions, hundreds of people demonstrated in Toronto, blocking a railroad critical to freight services from Canada to the United States. In solidarity with starving Palestinians, they demanded that the government of Canada impose an immediate and comprehensive arms embargo on Israel. “For months, as calls from our families and friends in Gaza have grown increasingly dire, we have written, phoned and petitioned our MPs. We have held teach-ins, community meetings and town halls. We have flyered, marched, picketed and rallied at every government office you can name. And yet still the Canadian government has refused to act decisively to save Palestinian lives and impose a full arms embargo on Israel,” said Dalia Awwad of the Palestinian Youth Movement. “So we have no choice but escalate, and stop the weapons being sent to and from Israel ourselves.”

April 17     New York, NY     5 arrests

While students on campus were setting up a protest encampment demanding an end to Columbia University’s  “continued financial investment in corporations that profit from Israeli apartheid, genocide and military occupation of Palestine,” just outside the gates at 116th St. and Broadway, 50 officers used barricades to surround a “Flood Columbia for Gaza” demonstration. This led to clashes and five arrests, including one minor, on charges including resisting arrest, reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct.

April 17     Washington, DC     1 arrest

Several people spoke out as Secretary of Defense Austin testified at a congressional hearing, including a Palestinian woman who held her child aloft and declared, “My child is human. Stop killing Palestinian children!” Most left the hearing voluntarily but only Helen Schietinger was arrested.

April 18     New York, NY     4 arrests

Demonstrations outside Columbia in support of the new encampment continued, with more arrests in the same gate area as the night before.

April 18     New York, NY     108 arrests

Although other campus occupations, encampments and arrests had already taken place, when police were called in to clear the encampment at Columbia University and arrested more than 100 students, the mainstream media finally took notice. Police swept through the Columbia campus, clearing away the tents and making arrests, mostly for trespass and also obstruction of government administration. More than 100 students were suspended in the immediate aftermath of their arrest. Classes were all moved online.

April 19     Richmond, VA     1 arrest

Women interrupted comedian Chelsea Handler’s show to protest her strong support for Israel’s war on Gaza. Several were escorted out and one was arrested. As one was being led out to jeers from some in the audience, she replied, “You guys should be this angry about genocide, not people standing up.”

April 22     New York, NY     133 arrests

Complaining later that the “press kind of got in the way of our operation,” police broke through a barricade of tables, chairs and even faculty members joined arm in arm to dismantle the encampment at New York University and make arrests. When some people tried to block the buses transporting the arrested students away, police used pepper spray to disperse them. All but four were cited for trespass, and the others were issued summons for resisting arrest and obstruction of governmental administration.

April 22     New Haven, CT     48 arrests

Yale University sent the police in that morning to break up the three-day-old protest camp on the main plaza demanding divestment from weapons makers. All those arrested were cited and released. In the hours after the arrests, hundreds of demonstrators blocked a downtown New Haven intersection.

April 23     Minneapolis, MN     9 arrests

At the University of Minnesota, police dismantled a protest camp hours after it was set up and made arrests for trespass. Late that night, some returned to re-establish the camp but dispersed after being warned of arrest.

April 23     Columbus, OH     2 arrests

Two students were arrested for trespass during what school officials deemed a “disruptive” protest on the Ohio State University campus.

April 23     Brooklyn, NY     300 arrests

Hundreds of Jewish Voice for Peace activists and supporters gathered in Grand Army Plaza, near the home of Senator Schumer, for a Passover Seder. Reports varied on the number of disorderly conduct arrests, from more than 200 to more than 300.

April 23     Columbia, SC     2 arrests

At the University of South Carolina, the chanting of anti-war students disrupted the annual finals week “midnight breakfast.” The protest moved outside and when police moved to arrest the noisemakers, they dispersed. Campus and city police combed the area and finally found two people they recognized from the protest. The pair were apprehended for breach of the peace and taken to the station for processing.

April 24     Austin, TX     57 arrests

Hundreds of state and local police, some on horseback, moved onto the campus of the University of Texas at Austin to forcefully evict demonstrators and arrest dozens, mostly for trespass. Among them was a local Fox TV reporter who troopers pulled to the ground and then took to jail with the others. A school spokesperson said about half of those arrested were not students. Prosecutors later dropped all charges, noting that, “all 57 lack sufficient probable cause to proceed.”

April 24     Los Angeles, CA     93 arrests

At the University of Southern California, just before lunchtime, police encircled the Alumni Park protest encampment set up earlier in the morning. Orders were given to leave the area or face arrest. Those who did not leave were systematically zip-tied and driven away for processing, to shouts of “Shame! Shame!” from other demonstrators. An attempt to re-establish the encampment later in the day was rebuffed. All were charged with trespass, and one was also charged on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon.

April 24     Boston, MA     118 arrests

City police broke up an Emerson College encampment just off Boston Common in Boylston Place, a narrow passageway partially owned by the college. The city claimed jurisdiction over the area as a public right-of-way.

April 25     Atlanta, GA     28 arrests

In a brutal raid on the encampment at Emory University, police swept in with tear gas, rubber bullets and tasers to clear out demonstrators who had tied their protest of Emory’s complicity in Israel’s war on Gaza to the university’s support for Cop City, a planned police training camp in Atlanta. Administrators said those involved in the camp were “largely not affiliated” with the University, but 20 of those taken to jail in fact did have ties, including three faculty. One professor who was beaten on camera was charged with battery of police. Another, the Chair of the Philosophy Department, Professor Noëlle McAfee, told Democracy Now!, “I saw in front of me a student on the ground with about three or four policemen pummeling the student, just pummeling and pummeling. And I tried to video it. I was standing there about three feet away from it. And it went on for like a minute or two. And then I screamed, “What are you doing?” And then they stopped pummeling the student, and a policeman stood in front of me and said, “You need to leave.” And I felt like the person who just needed to stay and witness what had just happened, and so I stood there, several feet away. And then he started dragging me off and putting my hands behind my back and took me in.”

April 25     Princeton, NJ     2 arrests

At Princeton University, two graduate students were quickly arrested in McCosh Courtyard when police interrupted establishment of a protest camp and the two refused to remove their tents. They were charged with trespass.

April 25     Bloomington, IL     33 arrests

Police dismantled the encampment on the campus of Indiana University Bloomington, and took 33 people to jail for trespass and resisting law enforcement. All were released on a promise to appear. In June, charges against all but one of those arrested here on April 25 and 27 were dropped. A student is charged with felony battery for biting an officer.

April 25     Columbus, OH     38 arrests

Two students were arrested for chanting too loudly outside Ohio State University buildings on “reading day”, and 36 others that night for trespass, hours after establishing an encampment. Sixteen were current undergrad or graduate students.

April 25     New York, NY     1 arrest

City University of New York campus police observed a ceasefire graffitist using washable chalk on campus and followed her off campus, accosted the Palestinian Muslim woman and turned her over to New York City police who charged her with a felony.

April 25     Indianapolis, IN     14 arrests

A morning ceasefire protest blocked streets near the Indiana governor’s residence, leading to arrests for obstructing traffic.

April 26     Champagne-Urbana, IL     2 arrests

Police moved quickly on a protest encampment being set up in the early morning at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. As tents were removed, George Vassilatos went limp when police removed him from demonstrators who had linked arms together, and had to be carried away. He was arrested for felony “mob action” and obstructing police, and was cited and released. Chris Zelle was also arrested later that evening on campus after police recognized him from the encounter that morning, and charged him with felony mob action and two counts of aggravated battery against a cop. Zelle was jailed over the weekend awaiting arraignment, then released.

April 26     Tempe, AZ     3 arrests

Students began setting up camp on the campus of Arizona State University, leading to three arrests and foreshadowing the mass arrests the next day.

April 26     Denver, CO     44 arrests

The Auraria campus in downtown Denver is shared by the University of Colorado Denver, Community College of Denver and Metropolitan State University of Denver. Student ceasefire protesters who began setting up prohibited tents on the Tivoli Quad, calling on the University of Colorado to “divest from genocide”, were arrested for trespass after they refused to remove the tents. “I think we need to be occupying more spaces, disrupting more events because every day that passes hundreds of people die and that’s our tax dollars,” one student told reporters. “The more that we can get out and disrupt business as usual until the U.S. pulls their support from this genocide, the better.”

April 26     Storrs, CT     1 arrest

University of Connecticut police arrested one man for interfering with an officer during a campus demonstration.

April 26      Detroit, MI     1 arrest

About 50 students disrupted a Wayne State University Board of Governors meeting demanding divestment from Israel’s war machine with banners and chants of  “We will not rest until you divest!” Many were pushed out of the room and an Oakland Community College student was arrested for disorderly conduct. “They can do whatever they want, attack us, tear down our tents, lock us up and even point their sniper rifles at us from the rooftops,” the arrested student said after release from jail. “But one thing’s for sure, they can never, ever stop our fight for a free Palestine. We won’t give up, no matter what they throw at us.”

April 27     Boston, MA     98 arrests

State police took down a two-day-old encampment at Northeastern University. Students showing university ID were released; others were charged with disorderly conduct and trespass.

April 27     Tempe, AZ     72 arrests

Following three ceasefire protest arrests earlier in the day at Arizona State University, police made most arrests after campers ignored multiple orders to disperse. Sprinklers went on all around the protesters after the first arrests, but police denied knowing who turned them on. One active-duty U.S. Marine was among those arrested, and some arrestees were held for more than 24 hours. Four Muslim women had their hijabs forcibly removed in public during their arrests. Twenty students among those arrested were suspended and lost an emergency federal court bid to overturn the disciplinary action. They could not complete their courses, or in one case, graduate.

April 27     Bloomington, IL     24 arrests

After tents and canopies were set up on the campus of Indiana University Bloomington the night before, officials again called in state police to prevent an indefinite occupation. Arrests were made for trespass and resisting law enforcement. In June, charges against all but one of those arrested here on April 25 and 27 were dropped.

April 27     St. Louis, MO     100 arrests

Police aggressively cleared out a new encampment on Dunn Meadow at Washington University, and were seen on video pushing their bicycles against protesters, pulling some to the ground and beating a professor. The Green Party 2024 presidential candidate Jill Stein was among those arrested.

April 27     Fredericksburg, VA     12 arrests

Students set up tents at the University of Mary Washington the day before, agreeing to take them down that night and return the next day. On Saturday night, some refused to break camp at the end of the day and were arrested for trespass, including nine students.

April 28     New Orleans, LA     12 arrests

Five officers claimed injury as they broke up an evening protest in Jackson Square. Charges of trespass, hate crime on law enforcement, aggravated battery of an officer, resisting an officer by force or violence and interfering with a law enforcement investigation have been filed.

April 28     Atlanta, GA     6 arrests

Six people were arrested for graffiti and other vandalism at Emory University. None were students.

April 28     Blacksburg, VA     82 arrests

Students and community members calling for Virginia Tech University to divest from companies supporting the Israeli military were arrested for trespass when they refused to leave the campus protest. Most agreed to pre-trial diversion, performing community service and paying a $99 fine to have their case dismissed.

April 28     Pittsburgh, PA     2 arrests

A campus divestment protest went on for several days until Pittsburgh University tried to move it back on to city streets and sidewalks, leading to two arrests for trespass.

April 29     Princeton, NJ     13 arrests

Five undergrads, six graduate students, one postdoctoral researcher and one person not affiliated with Princeton University occupied Clio Hall for more than two hours while hundreds rallied in support outside, linking arms around the building doors. When the first two arrested were brought out and put in a nearby university bus, the crowd banged on the bus, cracking a window and chanting “Admin, Admin, talk to us, we hate your fucking bus.” Those arrested were cited for trespass and barred from campus pending disciplinary proceedings.

April 29     Austin, TX     79 arrests

Protesters returning to the University of Texas were quickly greeted by dozens of cops, many in riot gear. Police loaded up the first van load of arrestees, but protesters blocked its path. Police first used pepper spray to begin pushing the crowd back, followed by two flash-bang grenades that finally cleared the way. Most of those arrested were charged with trespass. Two people were additionally charged, one with obstructing a highway and the other for interfering with public duties. Police accused a Fox 7 photojournalist of felony assault but that was soon dismissed. The district attorney said his initial review of probable cause affidavits showed more substance than those from the mass arrests on April 24 that he had dismissed, and meet the standard of probable cause.

April 29     Albuquerque, NM     16 arrests

Police clashed overnight with a group of students, former students and community members occupying the University of New Mexico Student Union, leading to arrests for trespass and wrongful use of public property.

April 29     New Orleans, LA     6 arrests

Protesters began to set up a small camp on Tulane University’s Gibson Lawn, defended with a human chain. University police made arrests for trespass, battery of an officer and resisting arrest.

April 29     Gainesville, FL     9 arrests

The University of Florida got the book thrown at students arrested in a clash with police after being warned to disband their occupation of a plaza. Those arrested were variously charged with failure to obey a lawful command, resisting without violence, trespassing, battery on a law enforcement officer and wearing a hood or mask on public property.  “The University of Florida is not a daycare, and we do not treat protesters like children – they knew the rules, they broke the rules and they’ll face the consequences,” read their public statement.

April 29     Tampa, FL     3 arrests

Once the tents started going up, campus police at the University of South Florida used tear gas to break up a midday protest that administrators said was causing a disruption, leading to trespass arrests.

April 29     Athens, GA     16 arrests

University of Georgia campus police learned in the early morning that an encampment was being set up. They responded quickly and ordered the group to disperse. The protesters instead linked arms and stayed until police made arrests for trespass. All were cited and released from jail that night, and the nine undergraduate students were suspended by the University.

April 29     Salt Lake City, UT     21 arrests

An encampment at the University of Utah ended violently after dark as 100+ police in riot gear from five agencies charged in to make arrests. Students were pushed down with shields and some dragged away to be charged with unlawful assembly.

April 29     Richmond, VA     13 arrests

Police used tear gas to evict the camp at Virginia Commonwealth University, arresting six students and others for unlawful assembly and trespass. The students were subject to school disciplinary proceedings.

April 29     Cleveland, OH     20 arrests

Campus police at Case Western Reserve University “detained” students who tried to pitch tents on the Kelvin Smith Library oval lawn in the center of campus. Negotiation led to other forms of continuing protest and no charges were filed.

April 30     Salt Lake City, UT     1 arrest

Barred from the University of Utah campus and not to be intimidated, protesters gathered outside the city jail. One student organizer was arrested at the jail for participation in the campus protest the day before, and charged with trespassing, failure to disperse and disorderly conduct.

April 30     Tampa, FL     10 arrests

Late in the afternoon, University of South Florida police broke up a nascent encampment by 80-100 students in violation of school rules. Many of the protesters linked arms in a tight knot behind plywood sheets and chanted “hold the line” before police used tear gas to send some scattering. Those arrested were charged with trespass and released. 

April 30     Flagstaff, AZ     24 arrests

Arrests for trespass were made after an overnight protest on the campus of the University of Northern Arizona.

April 30     New York, NY     173 arrests

New York City police were called in to break up demonstrations and the Gaza Solidarity Encampment on the City College campus. Most of those arrested were cited and released, but 22 of 28 who attempted to occupy a building on campus were initially charged with burglary. Seven later had the burglary charges dropped. Of the remaining six, five were charged with felony assault and one was charged with misdemeanor criminal possession of a weapon. 

April 30     New York, NY     112 arrests

New York City cops were called to Columbia University for the second time in two weeks, this time on the 56th anniversary of the now-celebrated mass arrests of Vietnam War protesters who had shut down campus. Reporters, even Columbia student reporters, were barred from the private campus as police evicted those who had occupied Hamilton Hall. They’d renamed it Hind Hall after a young girl killed with her family in Gaza as she spoke with aid workers by phone who recorded her chilling testimony. Arrests were made inside and outside of the building, and police gave some non-students a chance to leave campus or face arrest for trespass. Others face possible charges of burglary and criminal mischief.

April 30     Arcata, CA     31 arrests

Anti-war activists who occupied a building at the California Polytechnic University Humboldt were cleared out in an early morning police action, after hundreds of supporters had demonstrated all night outside the building, defying threats of tear gas and rubber bullets. In addition to disciplinary actions against the students, those arrested face charges including unlawful assembly, vandalism, conspiracy and assault of police officers.

April 30     Tallahassee, FL       5 arrests

Arrests for trespass came soon and without incident after several tents were set up on Landis Green at Florida State University. All were barred from campus for one year, including two students who could then not participate in their commencement ceremony.

April 30     Raleigh, NC     1 arrest

After an hour, police ordered demonstrators to leave the campus of the University of North Carolina Greensboro, then arrested the woman using the megaphone, a graduate of the university.

April 30     Storrs, CT     25 arrests

After five days, the University of Connecticut student encampment had grown to about 20 tents. After multiple warnings that their tents were a stake too far outside campus free speech boundaries, arrests of 24 students and one former student were made for disorderly conduct and trespass.

April 30     Chapel Hill, NC     36 arrests

Protesters at the center of the Triangle Gaza Solidarity Encampment at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill were arrested after the administration said they were violating campus rules. All were cited for trespass and most were released on site, but six facing additional charges of resisting, obstructing and delaying law enforcement were taken to court first, and two of those were also charged with assaulting a cop.

April 30     Washington, DC     2 arrests

Secretary of Defense Austin was confronted over U.S. support for Israel at two congressional hearings, and Medea Benjamin was arrested at one of them. She was released from custody in time to grill Austin again as he left the Capitol at the end of his testimony.

May 1     New Orleans, LA     14 arrests

Six students from Tulane and Loyola Universities were among those arrested by a police SWAT team that moved before dawn against the two-day-old encampment. It was dismantled and arrests for trespass were made.

May 1     Tucson, AZ     4 arrests

Police in riot gear used tear gas and rubber bullets against hundreds of demonstrators in the predawn hours to evict the ceasefire encampment on the University of Arizona Mall.

May 1     New York, NY     15 arrests

Anti-war protesters were arrested after pushing their way inside a building and setting up tents at Fordham University.

May 1     Dallas, TX     17 arrests

The protest camp at the University of Dallas blocked a main walkway, and those who did not move when officials gave a written warning were arrested and held overnight. Dozens of supporters vigiled outside the jail.

May 1     Hanover, NH     89 arrests

As the May Day Labor for Liberation Celebration on the Dartmouth University campus wound down, a group of people started to set up tents on the main lawn and were soon chanting “Divest not Arrest!” as police moved in aggressively to make mass arrests. When Annelise Orleck, former head of Jewish Studies, started taking videos of the arrests, police grabbed her phone and pushed her down when she reached to take it back. Despite wearing press ID, a student reporter witnessing her arrest was also arrested, as was a student editor. Charges of trespass and resisting arrest were filed.

May 1     Buffalo, NY     15 arrests

Over 200 faculty signed a letter condemning the State University of New York at Buffalo’s arrest of seven students and others for loitering, disorderly conduct and trespass. They wrote in part that, “The gathering was entirely peaceful and students were well organized. When told that erecting tents for an encampment would lead to their arrest, students reorganized the gathering immediately to comply with the policy… The sundown deadline for arrest coincided with Maghrib, Muslim evening prayer, which police seemed unaware of until informed by the protesters. The rules about student protests were being updated in real time on the day of the protest, appearing discriminatory and making it difficult for even the most informed students to comply.”

May 1     Durham, NH     12 arrests

Ten students were among those arrested for disorderly conduct and trespass at the University of New Hampshire.

May 1     Madison, WI     34 arrests

Police evicted the encampment on the University of Wisconsin Library Mall, injuring some. Four were charged with attempting to disarm a police officer, resisting arrest, attempted escape and battery to a police officer. Others were arrested for disorderly conduct and trespass, and some were released without citations.

May 1     New Haven, CT     4 arrests

After an evening rally, Yale University police split the departing crowd, in the process tackling two non-students who objected, and subduing with excessive force while arresting them. A student was arrested as soon as he asked a lieutenant whether the protesters could disperse in front of Sterling Memorial Library. Another student wearing a vest designating them as a police liaison asked why the first student was being arrested despite the protest dispersing. They were also arrested. All were charged with trespass and disorderly conduct, and one also for interfering with police.

May 1     Stony Brook, NY     29 arrests

Administrators at the State University of New York Stony Brook decided that peaceful protests had escalated to include intimidation, harassment and tents, so police arrested students, faculty and others. In June, 27 agreed to dismissal of their disorderly conduct charges after six months arrest-free.

May 2     Portland, OR     31 arrests

Two days into a campus occupation, Portland police forced their way through barricades and across floors slicked with paint and soap into the Portland State University library. Their use of tear gas sent occupiers fleeing. Six students were among the 24 arrested. Protesters returned to re-occupy the library at 5 p.m., using police fencing set up earlier in the day to barricade themselves. More arrests resulted, and charges including trespass, resisting arrest, interfering with an officer, harassment, assault and burglary have been lodged.

May 2     New Paltz, NY     133 arrests

A student encampment had been up less than 36 hours on the State University of New York New Paltz when police with dogs and batons attacked. Many locked arms, and two people were knocked unconscious as police forcefully pulled them apart and made arrests for trespass. Possessions were bulldozed as the area was cleared.

May 2     Los Angeles, CA     209 arrests

In the early morning, hundreds of police dismantled the latest protest camp at the University of California Los Angeles. They launched flares overhead and fired rubber bullets at demonstrators, arresting people for failure to disperse and taking them to the jail downtown for processing and release. Less than two days earlier, the camp had been attacked by counter-demonstrators who assaulted protesters for hours as police looked on and made no arrests that day.

May 2     Notre Dame, IN     17 arrests

Occupation Free Notre Dame activists were arrested following a meeting with officials who refused to discuss their demands to divest and more. They remained on campus after being told their protest must end by 10 p.m., and were arrested for trespass. The group pointed out that university investments in major arms makers “completely violate all seven principles of Catholic Social Teachings and the guidelines laid out by the United States Conference on Catholic Bishops Socially Responsible Investing Guidelines.”

May 2     Knoxville, TN     9 arrests

Seven students and two other ceasefire demonstrators were arrested for trespass when they refused to leave the grounds of the University of Tennessee Knoxville law school.

May 2     Purchase, NY     68 arrests

After 10 p.m. quiet hour on campus, and just hours after it began, police noisily broke up a peaceful demonstration on the quad of the State University of New York Purchase, arresting students and faculty for trespass and taking them away in handcuffs. Many were arrested without incident, but police did not hesitate to throw others onto the ground and tables, injuring some. The University later offered disciplinary amnesty to students who don’t violate the rules of conduct in the future. Many later agreed to pretrial diversion and dismissal of the trespass charge.

May 3     New York, NY     43 arrests

New York City police were called in to arrest protesters who’d camped inside tents at the New School for Social Research for a week.

May 3     New York, NY     13 arrests

New York police cleared out a follow-up ceasefire and divestment encampment at New York University.

May 3     Ann Arbor, MI     1 arrest

One person was arrested when police clashed with 200 demonstrators outside an awards dinner at the University of Michigan Museum.

May 4     Charlottesville, VA     27 arrests

The University of Virginia policy on tents was changed without notice at 11 a.m., and police clashed with campers who were surrounded yet refused to leave. Chemical irritants were used and arrests made for trespass. Some charges have since been dismissed or deferred, but six people await a preliminary hearing July 16 before deciding whether to go to trial.

May 4     Chicago, IL     68 arrests

Dozens of students and others face charges of criminal damage and/or trespass after the encampment outside the Art Institute of Chicago was cleared by police.

May 6     New York, NY     27 arrests

When Hunter College announced classes were going remote due to widespread protest, students poured out of campus to join more than 1,000 demonstrators marching down Madison Avenue for the “Day of Rage for Gaza: From the Encampments to the Streets.” Police tried in vain to keep the march from spilling onto Fifth Avenue and disrupting the annual Met Gala taking place there. Most of those arrested were cited for disorderly conduct, while six face various other charges including resisting arrest, obstruction of justice, trespass, menacing, harassment and attempted assault.

May 6     San Diego, CA     66 arrests

With just ten minutes warning to leave, police from three agencies quickly took down tents and made unlawful assembly arrests at the University of California San Diego. Clashes with police ensued near the library as demonstrators tried to block police buses from leaving with arrestees. Two faculty and 60 students were among those arrested. Prosecutors do not intend to bring charges for 62 people represented by the National Lawyer’s Guild.

May 6     Los Angeles, CA     44 arrests

Early in the morning, university police arrested 35 students and others for conspiracy to commit burglary when they were found in a University of California Los Angeles parking garage, preparing for a sit-in at Moore Hall. A journalist was also arrested and fingerprinted then released without charges, and a prominent police critic live-streamed his own arrest and eventual release without charge.

May 7     New York, NY     50 arrests

The last of the New York City university ceasefire encampments was rousted from the Fashion Institute of Technology, with arrests for trespass.

May 7     Denver, CO     14 arrests

As finals were underway and an encampment continued on the Tivoli Quad, students occupied the first floor of the aerospace and engineering sciences building on the Auraria campus, where another entire floor is dedicated to Lockheed Martin’s work. They demanded disclosure of details of that arrangement and a conversation with the president of Metropolitan State University of Denver. When they refused to vacate the building, they were arrested for trespass and released. Later in the day the University made public all of their investments, one goal of the student protests.

May 7     Lawrence, KS     1 arrest

One person refused to leave their tent on the University of Kansas campus, and was arrested for interfering with law enforcement.

May 7     Amherst, MA     130 arrests

The second encampment at the University of Massachusetts was forcefully taken down by campus and state police, with mass arrests for trespass, rioting, failure to disperse and resisting arrest.

May 7     Charlotte, NC     1 arrest

An 18-year-old man was arrested in the morning when police took down the encampment on the University of North Carolina Charlotte campus. James Farrell was charged with resisting a public officer and disorderly conduct on school grounds, and barred from campus. Released a few hours later, he was again arrested protesting at the school. This time he was held overnight for trespass, and released on bond the next day.

May 8     Houston, TX     2 arrests

Students were arrested when University of Houston police took down the tents that had been pitched overnight for 60 students protesting the Israel-Hamas war. One was charged with felony assault on police, and another with misdemeanor trespass. Both were released that evening.

May 8     Washington, DC     33 arrests

Police used pepper spray and arrests to clear out the two-week-old encampment on the George Washington University campus, just as the mayor of Washington was due to be grilled by hostile lawmakers in Congress over the city’s response to the protests. That hearing was canceled after the crackdown.

May 9     Washington, DC     1 arrest

Chanting demonstrators returned to the George Washington University campus and a large D.C. police force assembled nearby. One person was arrested for throwing a water bottle at police. After multiple warnings, demonstrators dispersed around midnight.

May 9     Calgary, AB     5 arrests

Police gave a warning to leave, then late in the evening pushed their way through the encampment at the University of Calgary using flash bang grenades and tear gas. Those arrested were later released, and three were charged with trespass.

May 9     Boston, MA     10 arrests

The day after 23 students were suspended for participation in the Students Against Genocide encampment, graduate and undergraduate students blocked a parking garage at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Police quickly pushed them aside and made arrests.

May 9     Las Cruces, NM     11 arrests

At New Mexico State University, police arrested five students and others protesting the war who refused to leave Hadley Hall. A window was broken during the incident, and various charges included misdemeanor trespass, misdemeanor resisting/obstructing an officer, felony battery of an officer and felony criminal damage. One protester was hospitalized for head injuries.

May 10     Syracuse, NY     1 arrest

Someone who had previously been part of the Gaza Solidarity Encampment at Syracuse University was arrested for trespass when he returned to campus.

May 10     Philadelphia, PA     33 arrests

University of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia city police in riot gear took down the 16-day-old encampment and made arrests for defiant trespass.

May 10     Dover, DE     5 arrests

Demonstrators were arrested during a sit-in at the office of U.S. Representative Chris Pappas, seeking a meeting in support of a ceasefire. All pled not guilty to criminal trespass, with trial set for October 29.

May 10     Boston, MA     10 arrests

Police in riot gear encircled the three-week-old encampment at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology at 4 a.m., and gave residents 15 minutes to leave. Those who remained were arrested.

May 10     Boise, ID     1 arrest

For five days, people camped on the grounds of an old courthouse near the State Capitol “promoting humanity, a ceasefire and support for Palestine while protesting genocide, war and anti-semitism.” Police cleared the area for “maintenance” and arrested one woman who then tried to retrieve property from the site. She initially refused to identify herself and was held overnight on suspicion of obstructing police. She was released on bond the next day.

May 11     Orlando, FL     2 arrests

Police used pepper spray against demonstrators who linked arms to protect an organizer using a megaphone from arrest. Two people were charged with battery of an officer.

May 11     Lake Buena Vista, FL     3 arrests

Police responded to a report of two vehicles sporting “Free Palestine” signs that had blocked westbound I-4 near Disney Springs. The vehicles were towed away and three women face misdemeanor charges of refusal to obey police.

May 11     Cincinnati, OH     2 arrests

Two women, a student and alumnus, protesting outside Xavier University’s commencement event, ignored a police order to move to the designated protest area. They were arrested and charged with felony conspiracy while wearing a disguise (face masks) and misdemeanor trespass, and ordered to stay away from the campus.

May 11     New York, NY     150 arrests

Hundreds of demonstrators blocked traffic on the Manhattan Bridge. Some then blocked buses carrying those arrested off the bridge and were pushed back by police batons and tear gas.

May 13     Denver, CO     10 arrests

Students for a Democratic Society demonstrators demanding disclosure and divestment held a sit-in at the bursar’s office at the University of Colorado Denver’s Auraria campus. They were cited and released by campus police.

May 14            Denver, CO            12 arrests

More arrests were made at the Gaza Solidarity Encampment on the Auraria campus downtown.

May 15             Irvine, CA             47 arrests

The encampment at the University of California Irvine was removed, leading to the arrest of 26 students, five faculty and staff and 19 community members, most for failure to disperse and others for trespass. Dr. Tiffany Willoughby-Herard, an associate professor of African American Studies, said that she stood with the students because Americans “cannot have a genocidal foreign policy in a democracy. These young people are going to be the ones that have to pay the price for these horrible decisions. What job do I have if the students don’t have a future?”

May 15       Grand Rapids, MI       4 arrests

When about 100 marchers took to the street through downtown, police appeared to wait until it was almost over before targeting three organizers wearing high visibility vests for arrest on charges of obstructing police in the course of refusing a lawful order.

May 15     Albuquerque, NM     7 arrests

The encampment at the University of New Mexico was taken down, leading to the arrest of at least two students and a reporter and photographer. They were held for 12 hours on charges of trespass and wrongful use of public property.

May 16     Berkeley, CA     12 arrests

Arrests for vandalism, burglary and conspiracy were made when police from 20 different agencies joined up to remove occupiers from a building on the University of California campus that was boarded up after a fire two years ago. At least one student was among those arrested.

May 16     Chicago, IL     2 arrests

About 5:30 a.m., a last warning was given before hundreds of Chicago police in riot gear began to dismantle the 17-day-old protest encampment on the DePaul University Quad. Students scattered to avoid arrest as their tents and tables were bulldozed away, and plywood barricades were replaced by fences to prevent protesters from returning to the area. A student and a former student were arrested for obstructing traffic.

May 17     Washington, DC     4 arrests

The only voice in defense of funding UNRWA at a congressional hearing were activists. Four of them were taken out and arrested, including some who were not disrupting the hearing at all.

May 18     Brooklyn, NY     41 arrests

Video documented police confronting a march through the Bay Ridge area, shoving and punching people and injuring both press and demonstrators. Two people were arrested on charges of assault and resisting arrest, 15 more were ticketed for resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, and 24 for disorderly conduct only.

May 18     Philadelphia, PA     19 arrests

Protesters tried to occupy Fisher-Bennett Hall at the University of Pennsylvania, then clashed with police outside and on streets near campus after the building was cleared. A dozen people, students and others, were cited for failure to disperse and released, and seven were held for arraignment on felony charges, including one for assaulting an officer.

May 19     Austin, TX     2 arrests

Several thousand people marched through downtown Austin on a weekend Nakba commemoration. One arrest was made for flying a drone over the Capitol grounds, and another for failure to obey and resisting arrest.

May 19     Detroit, MI     10 arrests

A youth-led civil rights group and another opposing police brutality joined up for ceasefire protest marches while President Biden visited Detroit. Police responded aggressively, pushing barricades against the marchers, throwing some to the ground and using tasers while making arrests. Those arrested were all cited and released, including one charged with felony assault of an officer.

May 20     San Francisco, CA     1 arrest

Ceasefire demonstrators were outside the Harvard Club in San Francisco where Rep. Nancy Pelosi was being honored at an event. One person was arrested  after entering the hall and disrupting the event, while another who did so was escorted outside but not arrested.

May 21 Washington, DC 4 arrests

Capitol police brutally suppressed demonstrators at a Senate hearing who called out Secretary of State Blinken as a failed diplomat over U.S. support for Israel’s war on Gaza. Retired diplomat Ann Wright was bloodied by the manhandling in the hearing room before she was shoved out and arrested, while two other women were simply picked up by much larger male officers and removed under arrest.

May 21     Ann Arbor, MI     5 arrests

University officials had police clear the encampment on the University of Michigan Diag at dawn, citing escalating tactics that included fake corpses on the lawns of seven of eight members of the Board of Regents. Those arrested were taken to jail for processing and released.

May 22     Washington, DC     2 arrests

At least two people were arrested when Secretary of State Blinken was again testifying at a congressional hearing about support for Israel and dozens of protesters dogged him coming and going through the halls and in the hearing room. One woman was held overnight.

May 23     San Luis Obispo, CA     8 arrests

A small group used wooden barricades to block an entrance into California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Four students, one professor and three others were arrested on various charges including resisting arrest, obstructing an officer, obstructing a road, obstructing free movement, unlawful assembly and two felonies related to removing a person from police custody. Two were cited and released, and the others taken to jail.

May 23     Portland, OR     7 arrests

Three students and four others were arrested during demonstrations at the Neuberger Center on the Portland State University campus. A bus taking arrested demonstrators away from the scene was blocked, leading to clashes with police.

May 29     Ottawa, ON     8  arrests

Anti-war protests at the airport and blockades downtown greeted the CANSEC arms fair. Police made eight arrests and three people were jailed overnight.

May 29     Vancouver, BC     1 arrest

Police made one arrest when the month-long ceasefire demonstration at the University of British Columbia escalated to include a blockade of a major downtown intersection.

May 30     Detroit, MI     12 arrests

Early in the morning, police shut down the encampment at Wayne State University. Those arrested were released in the afternoon.

May 31     Brooklyn, NY     34 arrests

Within Our Lifetime called on supporters to “flood” and “de-occupy” the Brooklyn Museum with the demand it disclose and divest from investment linked to Israel’s war on Gaza. Guards tried in vain to prevent a surging crowd from entering the building. Police took at least six people into custody on charges ranging from trespass to assault, and others were released after being cited for trespass, graffiti, damaging property and/or resisting arrest.

May 31     Santa Cruz, CA     80 arrests

Fortified encampment barricades blocked the main entrance to the University of California Santa Cruz, disrupting campus operations including access for emergency vehicles. Police in riot gear faced off with protesters linking arms around the encampment before the mass arrests and removal of the tents and supplies.

May 31     East Vancouver, BC     14 arrests

At least 100 anti-war demonstrators blocked mid-day traffic and commercial/commuter railroad tracks at a critical intersection.  Arrests were made for mischief and obstruction.

June 2     Pittsburgh, PA     4 arrests

A Gaza Solidarity encampment was re-established outside the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh, with demonstrators quickly erecting wooden barriers around it. Police detained one person bringing food and water to the barricaded activists, and another who intervened in that arrest was arrested for aggravated assault, resisting arrest and obstruction. Weeks later, video evidence led to the arrest of two other men for knocking over police security barriers, breaching police lines and refusing to comply with multiple police orders during the days-long protest.

June 3       San Francisco, CA     70 arrests

Ceasefire demonstrators occupied the building housing Israel’s consulate for hours. One person was cited and released but 69 others were zip-tied and taken to county jail before their release.

June 5      Palo Alto, CA      13 arrests

About 6 a.m., ceasefire protesters broke into and occupied the office of the Stanford University president, demanding divestment, transparency and amnesty for those arrested. Two hours later, supporters surrounded the bus taking away those who had been arrested inside, and had to be moved as well.

June 6         Toronto, ON         1 arrest

About 40 demonstrators left the York University encampment when police gave the order to go, but one person returned and was ticketed.

June 6     Milwaukee, WI     7 arrests

Protesters interrupting the Board of Regents meeting at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee were arrested for disorderly conduct after refusing an order to leave.

June 6     Montreal, QC     15 arrests

Police in riot gear used chemical irritants to forcefully evict an occupation of a McGill University building, arresting two for obstructing police and 13 for breaking and entering.

June 6     Northampton, MA     4 arrests

After three hours of cutting, drilling and grinding, police arrested anti-war protesters who had locked onto a pickup truck filled with concrete, blocking the gates of the L3 Harris arms plant. They were held overnight before being arraigned on charges of disturbing the peace, trespass, resisting arrest and interfering with police. They all pled not guilty and were released with conditions pending trial.

June 6     Minneapolis, MN     5 arrests

Three adults and two juveniles were caught spraypainting anti-war graffiti outside a downtown speech by a former Israeli prime minister.

June 8     Toronto, ON     4 arrests

When police saw a woman painting slogans on the road during a demonstration, she was arrested for mischief and property damage. Three people intervened in her arrest and were also taken into custody for obstructing, and in one case also assaulting police.

June 8     Boston, MA     2 arrests

After 60 pro-Palestinian groups asked local Gay Pride Parade organizers to stop accepting donations from corporations tied to Israel, protesters who temporarily blocked the parade with calls for a ceasefire clashed with police.

June 8     Portland, OR     8 arrests

Ceasefire protesters held a die-in on Martin Luther King Boulevard, blocking the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade.

June 10     Los Angeles, CA     27 arrests

Hundreds joined a funeral procession for Gaza’s dead through the campus of the University of Southern California. Some clashed with police along the way as they were thwarted from setting up encampments in Dickson Plaza, Kerckhoff Patio and Shapiro Courtyard. Those arrested, including 18 students and two faculty, were cited for willful disruption and released, barred from the campus for 14 days. Earlier in the day another person was arrested on suspicion of interfering with police, cited and released.

June 12     New York, NY     3 arrests

Three people torched U.S. and Israeli flags in front of the barricades outside the building housing Israel’s consulate. One man was arrested for reckless endangerment, menacing, disorderly conduct and failure to use a sidewalk, while police seek two others who got away.

June 13     Washington, DC     9  arrests

Outside the office of Senator Chuck Schumer, If Not Now members protested the invitation for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to address Congress.

to be continued…