In a tense standoff at the University of Minnesota, police arrested 13 pro-Palestine protesters who had barricaded themselves inside an administration building late Monday. The demonstrators, organized by the university’s chapter of Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), were protesting the university’s policies, particularly its investments in Israel and arms companies, which they say contribute to Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza.
The protest escalated when students used metal tables, chairs, bike racks, and wooden pallets to barricade the building. Despite the presence of employees inside, protesters ensured their safe exit through an unblocked entrance. University police, with backup from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, entered the building to make the arrests.
The protesters renamed the building “Halimy Hall” in honor of Medo Halimy, a 19-year-old Palestinian TikTok creator killed in an Israeli airstrike in August. SDS member Sasmit Rahman defended the demonstration, stating that the group’s actions were justified given the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the death toll has now surpassed 42,700.
While the arrested protesters face consequences, Rahman emphasized that they were prepared to continue their fight, with 11 protesters reportedly still unaccounted for. The university has yet to respond to the group’s demands.
