The escalating violence between Israel and Hamas has sparked outrage and protests across the world, and unfortunately, these tensions have now spilled onto the college campuses here in the US.
Now, Hundreds of students at the University of Texas at Austin decided to walk out of their classrooms in a show of support for Palestine, and what ensued was nothing short of chaos.
As Governor Greg Abbott aptly pointed out, these protesters should be ashamed of themselves and should be arrested. Their blatant display of anti-Semitism and support for a known terrorist organization is utterly unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our great state.
At least 4 people arrested now pic.twitter.com/YCWT3YmxXq
— Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024
This is not an issue of free speech but rather an issue of hate-filled rhetoric and violence. These students have crossed the line and should face consequences for their actions.
What is even more concerning is their demand for the university system to divest from companies that manufacture machinery used in war. Are these students really suggesting that we should cut off crucial ties and support from our ally, Israel, in the name of “peace”?
This is not only ignorant but dangerous. Our government and businesses should continue to support and work closely with Israel, a beacon of democracy in the Middle East, not turn our backs on them.
President Jay Hartzell was right to stand firm and enforce the rules of the University. We cannot allow these radical students to disrupt the learning environment for others and trample on the rights of those who do not share their extreme views.
It is despicable to see that some of these protesters were not even affiliated with UT, and yet they chose to join in on the chaos and disobey University officials. This only goes to show the mob mentality that is sweeping our nation’s college campuses.
UT Austin right now. Protesters and DPS in a standoff on the main drag of campus pic.twitter.com/OipxvXDbWC
— Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024
It’s chaos now. DPS riot troopers forcefully dispersing protesters, making contact, at least one arrest pic.twitter.com/bQqRqWyzUO
— Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024
JUST IN: Law enforcement has arrested a Fox 7 reporter for “hitting” an officer at the University of Texas after he appeared to rush a DPS trooper.
Video footage shows the man moving towards the group before getting thrown to the ground.
After the incident, the man, who… pic.twitter.com/q4CdIflov2
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 24, 2024
Thankfully, the Texas Department of Public Safety and law enforcement officers were quick to respond to the University’s call for help. They made 34 arrests of those engaging in criminal activity or trespassing. We must commend them for their efforts in maintaining the peace and preventing any further disruption on campus.
This just played over the intercom across the entire UT Austin campus:
“I command you in the name of the People of the State of Texas to disperse”
Roads leading here are closed, buildings locked down pic.twitter.com/svsc8VRvtp
— Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 24, 2024
Number arrested at UT today is up to more than 50, per @statesman https://t.co/v7rHeTcU4w
— Ryan Chandler (@RyanChandlerTV) April 25, 2024
It is shocking to see the rising tide of anti-Semitism on our college campuses, and it is crucial that we take a stand against it. We cannot allow these extremist students to promote hate and violence under the guise of free speech.
