Protesters arrested at Portland State University in court on trespass, other charges

June 2024 · 4 minute read

Dozens of protesters who were arrested in connection with the pro-Palestinian protests at Portland State University made their first court appearances Friday, many of them pleading not guilty to criminal trespass and an array of other charges.

Police arrested 30 people Thursday as officers in riot gear cleared protesters who had staged an occupation inside the school’s Millar Library. Seven of those arrested were PSU students.

Police said more people could be taken into custody.

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt said he plans on prosecuting anyone involved with the vandalism at the library.

Four people who were arrested Thursday were released Friday but could still face charges. According to the DA’s Office, they were released because two of those people complied with police and two were homeless.

Outside the courthouse, many protesters showed up to show their support for those arrested.

“We’re still within our right to protest. I think it was wrong the way that they did it,” said a man named CJ, who was one of those outside the courthouse.

He said he recognizes that some things may have gotten out of hand.

Supporters outside provided food and water for anyone who appeared on Friday.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler deferred questions to Portland police after protesters regained access to the library around 6 p.m. Thursday when police left the area following their initial raid of the building early that morning.

He said what happened on campus wasn’t the proper way to show support for people overseas.

Meanwhile, cleanup was underway Friday at the library. Crews worked to board up the building and power wash its outside.

Onlookers stopped by to see some of the damage.

“We need to speak up and let people know what’s going on. But I feel like there should be limits to everything, you know,” said Mohammad Harb, a Palestinian who said things were taken too far at Portland State.

In a letter Friday, university President Ann Cudd said she has had a chance to tour the library, and it was difficult to see the space unusable.

She said the librarians were working to get remote services up and reopen the building this fall.

Police released several images of people they are still looking for in association with the protests. Those can be viewed here.

Here are the names of those arrested Thursday, as released by the Portland Police Bureau.

PSU

The following were booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center during the evening/night:

PSU Arrest

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