DC police clear out GW encampment site as Israel-Hamas protests reach 2-week mark
D.C. police have begun taking down the encampment site at George Washington University early Wednesday morning, where protests against the Israel-Hamas war have taken place for the last two weeks.
Police tell WTOP officers began clearing University Yard at around 3 a.m. after law enforcement officials gave multiple warnings to clear the encampment. Protesters that refused to leave the site were taken into custody.
About five police vans were filled with arrested protesters, including students, by 5 a.m.
“I talked to a student who said he was on the actual quad as they started to clear it out,” WTOP Luke Lukert said. “D.C. police showed up in riot gear and according to him, used mace to clear out some of the students.”
A small rally formed on G Street, with students cheering on arrested demonstrators as police barricaded the block around University Yard.
The encampment clearing comes as protests at the university have just reached the two-week mark.
Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. police Chief Pamela Smith planned to meet with lawmakers Wednesday morning at a House Oversight hearing on the District’s response to the GW encampment.
This story is developing. Stay with WTOP for the latest.
WTOP’s Luke Lukert contributed to this report.