Several protesters demonstrate outside College graduation ceremony
A small group of pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrated outside Franklin Field as the College of Arts and Sciences Graduation Ceremony concluded.
Graduates and their families began leaving Franklin Field around 10 p.m. As they exited onto the sidewalk, seven protesters chanted and held signs up against a set of barricades on 33rd Street.
“3 Pro-Palestine students barred from walking — Shame,” one sign read.Shortly afterward, about 10 demonstrators gathered at the intersection of 33rd and Spruce streets, chanting, “UPenn, UPenn, we know you, you imprison students too.”
A Penn Police vehicle was present at the intersection, and traffic continued around the circle of protesters.
After about 15 minutes, the group walked north and joined the encampment at Drexel University, which was established on Saturday.
Three seniors not permitted to participate in CAS graduation after lack of response to CSA letter
A University spokesperson wrote in a statement to The Daily Pennsylvanian that due to the involvement of three seniors in the Gaza Solidarity Encampment, their disciplinary cases were “expedited through the [Center for Community Standards and Accountability] process,” and that “letters notifying these students of the findings were delivered on Friday.”
“Because the students have not yet responded to the letters to resolve their cases, they remain on mandatory temporary leave and were not permitted to participate in the College of Arts and Sciences graduation ceremony this evening,” the spokesperson wrote.
Student alleges “targeted” behavior from security guard against graduate wearing keffiyeh
An Apex security guard first stopped a graduate of color wearing a keffiyeh — who is on mandatory leave —from entering graduation, a student outside David Rittenhouse Laboratory told The Daily Pennsylvanian. The student criticized the guard for “targeting” a student of color. After the initial student was stopped, several other students on mandatory leave were also not permitted to enter.
The student said that the group who was not permitted to enter requested official confirmation of their status and asked to meet with higher-up administrators. They said no one came to meet them.
The students were then told by a security guard that they could not enter. The student said that graduates were told by officials that they received a letter stating they are not permitted to attend graduation.
The student said “the letter does not exist” and administrators “have not been able to produce it.”
The DP could not confirm whether the letter exists.
Graduates and onlookers chant “shame” at Tamara Greenfield King
Approximately 20 graduates and onlookers are chanting “shame” and “let us in” at Vice Provost of University Life Tamara Greenfield King, who has finished her meeting with graduates not permitted to enter and their families. She has walked away from the barricade.
Students barred from entering College graduation ceremony
Several pro-Palestinian students who were put on mandatory leave by the University due to their involvement in the Gaza Solidarity Encampment are being banned from entering the College of Arts and Sciences Graduation Ceremony currently taking place on Franklin Field.
At least three students who were not permitted to enter are standing by David Rittenhouse Laboratory and arguing with Vice Provost of University Life Tamara Greenfield King.
Several parents are also arguing with King, saying communication from Julie Nettleton, the director of the Center for Community Standards and Accountability, was vague and unclear.
King has taken the students and a maximum of two of their parents to talk in a private place.
A non-graduating protester is asking Penn Police officers to share their badge numbers, and officers are refusing to answer. One officer laughed while asking the protester, “What’s your badge number?”
Penn Students Against the Occupation of Palestine said in a post on Instagram that students “at Penn College graduation wearing keffiyehs are being profiled, prevented from walking, and are surrounded by cops + security.” The group called for “numbers for pressure” to join them outside Franklin Field.
All arrested protesters from attempted takeover of Fisher-Bennett released
As of 10:24 p.m. — just over 24 hours since arrests were made — the remaining arrested protesters from Friday night’s attempted occupation of Fisher-Bennett Hall have been released from Philadelphia Police Department headquarters without bail, according to a jail support update.
Seven arrested protesters remained in custody earlier today awaiting felony charges — including one for assaulting a police officer — according to a University spokesperson.
The group previously assembled outside the police station since last night has now dispersed as well, according to a Philadelphia city scanner.
Drexel on lockdown, police “prepared to respond quickly,” univ. president says
In a message on Saturday evening, Drexel University President John Fry wrote that Drexel buildings are currently locked down.
“At the present time, our buildings are on lockdown and open only to those with clearance from Drexel’s Public Safety,” Fry wrote.
He added that Drexel Police and Public Safety are “monitoring” the encampment to ensure that it remains “peaceful and non-disruptive.”
“We will not tolerate the destruction of property; the harassment or intimidation of our students, faculty or professional staff; or threatening behavior of any kind,” Fry added. He noted that Drexel is “prepared to respond quickly to any disruptive or threatening behavior by anyone against anyone.”
A spokesperson for Penn declined to comment on whether the ongoing encampment at Drexel would lead to increased security measures at Penn.
Penn’s Division of Public Safety sent an updated UPennAlert at 7:46 p.m. regarding the Drexel University encampment. The updated message announced a “large demonstration” located at the grass area on S. 32nd St. between Market and Chestnut streets and included the warnings “[u]se caution, police on scene, avoid area.”
Drexel Palestine Coalition calls for support on Instagram
In an Instagram story reposted by Penn Against the Occupation and the Philly Palestine Coalition, the Drexel Palestine Coalition announced, “SOLIDARITY ENCAMPMENT ESTABLISHED AT KORMAN QUAD!! COME TO CAMP!”
The message went on to explain that “Philadelphia area community members” established a Gaza Solidarity Encampment at Drexel University as a “direct response to the Palestinian call for escalations in order to bring the ongoing fast-paced genocide in Gaza to a halt.”
“As people of conscience we are horrified by the intentional destruction of healthcare facilities, schools, colleges, universities, and places of worship,” the statement reads. “We are horrified by the targeting of aid workers, healthcare workers, professors and journalists.”
An encampment has begun on Korman Family Quad at Drexel University.
Protesters are setting up at least 12 tents on the green as others link arms in a circle around them. A march from City Hall arrived from 33rd Street onto the green at around 6:45 p.m., joining the encamped protesters.
“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” the group chanted.Protesters are setting up chairs and tables as an additional barrier around the green.
Around two dozen Philadelphia Police officers are watching the protesters on the green, with more continuing to arrive.
As the protest remains stationed on Drexel University’s campus at 33rd and Market streets, a Philadelphia city scanner has reported that 45-50 people are now setting up tents on Drexel University’s Korman Family Quad.
The Drexel Police Department lieutenant has requested support at the location, and the Drexel Police dispatcher stated that all CCTV cameras in the area are not functioning except one on Korman Quad’s walkway.
At least 250 pro-Palestinian protesters have stopped at 33rd and Market streets.
Demonstrators are chanting, “Ain’t no power like the power of the people cause the power of the people don’t stop.” Many hold umbrellas and signs with messages including “Hands off Rafah” and “Stop the Genocide.”
“It is not a day of celebration,” an organizer told the crowd. “It is a day of solemn remembrance.”A member of the Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network addressed the crowd, saying that the organization’s chapters are being “attacked” around the world.
Philadelphia Police Department and Drexel Police officers on bikes stand by at the front of the crowd of protesters. The group is stopping traffic on 33rd Street, with some cars honking in protest of the blockage.
Pro-Palestinian march nears Penn campus, prompts UPenn Alert
A pro-Palestinian march that began with a rally at City Hall this afternoon is nearing Penn’s campus, according to a UPennAlert sent by Penn’s Division of Public Safety at 5:59 p.m.
“LARGE DEMONSTRATION IN THE AREA at 30th & MARKET STREET,” the alert reads. “The group is continuing to travel west on Market Street.”
The “NAKBA 76” march began at City Hall at 4 p.m. today, according to an Instagram post from the Philly Palestine Coalition. Instagram story posts from the Coalition’s account showed that the event featured speakers and many individuals holding signs.
“The Nakba and violence of Zionism began before 1948 and continues to this day- we must resist white supremacy & settler colonialism now more than ever as we’ve witnessed 40,000 Palestinians murdered by it in less than 6 months,” the post reads.
Nakba Day, which is commemorated on May 15 each year, marks the anniversary of the start of the Arab-Israeli War, which resulted in a “mass expulsion” of the Palestinian population from the area, according to the Associated Press.
Penn sends "safety and security" guidelines to Alumni Weekend attendees
In an email this morning, Senior Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations Hoopes Wampler provided Penn Alumni Weekend attendees with additional information following the attempted takeover of Fisher-Bennett Hall and the protests that occurred yesterday evening.
In the message, Wampler offered “safety and security reminders” that included a link to Penn Public Safety’s website and a suggestion to “rely on Penn staff” in the event of a “lengthy disruption” during programming.
“Should you encounter protestors at any point, please give them space and do not engage them in any fashion. If a protest lingers in any one area, we ask that we move away from that area until the protest dissipates,” Wampler wrote. “Typically, the protestors will move on if they do not have the attention of onlookers.”
Nineteen individuals arrested, including six Penn students
Nineteen individuals, including six Penn students, were taken into police custody Friday evening, according to a statement from a University spokesperson. Twelve of them were cited for "failure to disperse and failure to follow police commands" and released, while "seven remain in custody awaiting felony charges, including one for assaulting a police officer," according to the statement.
"Upon clearing the building, Penn Police recovered lock-picking tools and homemade metal shields fashioned from oil drums," the University statement read. "The exit doors had been secured with zip-ties, barbed wire, and barricaded with metal chairs and desks, and the windows were covered over with newspaper and cardboard. Bike racks and metal chairs were also found blocking outside entrances. Penn remains focused on maintaining the safety and security of our campus."
Protesters have yet to be released as campus remains quiet
At Philadelphia Police headquarters, arrested demonstrators have not been released — and it is unclear when they will be.
On campus, Fisher-Bennett Hall is quiet, with one police car remaining in front of the building. The makeshift barricades have been removed. The Penn Museum is silent, with the lights and music from tonight’s Alumni Weekend event off.
College senior calls on Penn to “take proper action” against protesters
College senior Eyal Yakoby described the attempted occupation of Fisher-Bennett Hall as “yet another example of illegal activity” in a statement to The Daily Pennsylvanian.
“I hope Penn will take proper action to ensure this doesn’t happen again,” Yakoby said. “This is also another example of violent behavior, which I am sure, somehow, a select few will try and twist to fit their untrue narrative. They broke into a building.”
Two emails were sent to Penn Alumni Weekend and Wharton MBA Reunion attendees regarding the protests at Fisher-Bennett Hall earlier this evening. The emails, sent by Penn and Wharton Alumni Relations, differed slightly in wording but contained the same information.
The messages stated that the area had been secured after an “attempted” occupation of the building. It noted that alumni attending ongoing programming over the weekend should monitor University communications regarding possible changes to the schedule.
“We anticipate protests in the city at various points in the day and ask you to be alert to the potential for unexpected disruptions,” University officials wrote in the email. “The Penn Public Safety website will be updated with any real-time news alerts, and we will remain in close contact.”
A counterprotester pulled up in a car in front of the Philadelphia Police headquarters and shouted “Leave our police alone” and “Go Israel” at the protesters assembled on the sidewalk.
Protesters launched into chants of “Free Palestine” and “Say it clear, say it loud, students you make us proud.” The counterprotester drove away, and protesters continued chanting.
Protesters are now dancing, drumming, and chanting, “We will free Palestine within our lifetime.”
Protesters chalk on sidewalk in front of Philadelphia Police headquarters
Protesters are chalking on the sidewalk outside the Philadelphia Police Headquarters, leaving messages that include “Free Palestine,” “Divest from genocide,” “Long Live the Student Intifada,” and a drawing of the Palestinian flag.
The crowd gathered in front of the building has grown to around 70 people. Protesters are handing out water and snacks as several Philadelphia Police officers stand by.
Police remain at Fisher-Bennett, remove building occupation supplies
At least five Penn Police officers remain at Fisher-Bennett Hall after protesters attempted to occupy the building around an hour ago.
Police brought bags of evidence down — seemingly of supplies that protesters had brought into the building in anticipation of the occupation. Bags of water, wires, and food were seen at the entrance.
Protesters appear to have attempted to enter the building from all three entrances on Walnut and 34th streets. Barricades, including zip-tied plastic tables and pieces of wood, had started to be formed in front of the Walnut Street entrance before police intervened. Police continue to guard the doors to all points of entrance into Fisher-Bennett Hall.
A UPennAlert issued at 11:15 p.m. announced that 34th and Walnut streets, as well as the 200 block of S. 34th St., were “all clear,” and that people could “resume normal activity.”
Multiple Penn Police officers remain at Fisher-Bennett Hall.
Around 20 protesters wait outside Philadelphia Police Headquarters
Around 20 protesters are gathered in front of the headquarters of the Philadelphia Police Department at 400 N. Broad St. No arrestees have been released yet.
Alarm going off inside now-empty Fisher-Bennett Hall
The front entrance to Fisher-Bennett Hall is blocked off by a barrier that reads “FREE PALESTINE,” and several officers from Penn’s Division of Public Safety are entering the building — some with evidence bags.
The door to the building on Walnut Street is blocked by a makeshift barricade of several cones and pieces of wood. A box of barbed wire is on the sidewalk nearby.
An alarm can be heard from inside the now-empty building. Penn and Philadelphia Police officers remain outside, though their numbers have decreased.
The Philadelphia Fire Department also has officers on the scene.
The building is mostly dark, with a few classroom lights on.
A source familiar with the situation told The Daily Pennsylvanian that those detained were taken to 400 N. Broad St., the headquarters of the Philadelphia Police Department.
11:09 p.m. · May 17 - Ethan Young and Diamy WangPermalink
Alumni event is empty
After protesters stopped outside the Penn Museum, where the Franklin Fest event for Alumni Weekend was taking place, attendees were asked to leave the event.
Although the event was slated to run until 11 p.m., the venue has been cleared out and staff members are starting to clean up. Penn Police officers in riot gear guard the entrance.
A sign outside the gate reads “RESIST” and includes a drawing of an upside-down triangle symbol. This shape has previously been documented in use for a number of notable purposes as a societal symbol, including by the pro-Palestinian movement as a representation of solidarity with Palestinians, by the military wing of Hamas to identify targets, and by the Nazis to identify political prisoners.
Protesters call for support at Phila. police headquarters
In a statement on Instagram, PAO and Freedom School for Palestine wrote that Penn Police and the Philadelphia Police Department "have started arrests."
"JAIL SUPPORT NEEDED AT 400 N BROAD ST," the statement reads.
After stopping at the corner of Convention Avenue and Spruce Street at an alumni event outside the Penn Museum, the group of protesters has continued east towards the South Street bridge.
A large portion of the crowd has dispersed, and protesters are sharing water while a crowd of police look on. The group is stationary across the street from Franklin Field, which will host Monday’s Commencement ceremony.
An organizer is telling the crowd that they are welcome to go home but that a smaller group will be marching towards the police headquarters.
“We are going to take the subway to the jail house to support our comrades,” an organizer said.
Protesters outside the event are chanting “Join us” and telling participants, “Instead of sitting there and recording us, walk out, join us.” Demonstrators are also climbing and shaking the fence.
Philadelphia Police Department cars are blocking off both sides of South Street, and more cars are approaching.
An updated UPennAlert sent at 10:14 p.m. reads that a “LARGE CROWD REMAINS ON LOCATION at 200 BLOCK OF S. 34TH STREET. Use caution, police on scene, avoid area.”
An earlier alert sent at 8:56 p.m. alerted the community of a “LARGE DISRUPTIVE CROWD at 34th & WALNUT STREET” with the same accompanying warnings.
The police-protester face off ended as protesters marched down 34th Street towards Spruce Street. Police remained in a line blocking off Walnut Street.
During a moment of silence, all of the protesters began to back up with their arms locked and march away from the police. Several police followed, but those with riot shields did not.
A University spokesperson wrote to The Daily Pennsylvanian that a group of pro-Palestinian protesters entered Fisher-Bennett Hall earlier tonight and “attempted to occupy” the building.
“Penn Police, with support from Philadelphia Police, escorted them out and secured the building, taking several individuals into custody,” the University spokesperson wrote, also noting that “[the] situation remains active.”
At around 10 p.m., a Philadelphia Police scanner reported a white male with a multicolored bandana and gray backpack attempting to break a Penn Police car window at 34th and Chestnut streets. According to the scanner, the Penn Police vehicle was damaged, but the individual was stopped before breaking in.
Police officers have placed several barricades near Walnut Street and adjacent to Fisher-Bennett Hall, restricting access to the area where protesters and police are currently located.
Protesters and PPD interact in video on Freedom School Instagram story
In an Instagram story posted to the Freedom School for Palestine account, a Philadelphia Police Department officer orders protesters to remain on the sidewalk. Protesters reply that they are on the sidewalk, to which the officer responds, “If you’re on the sidewalk, shut up.”
The caption of the video reads, “[P]olice blocking people from seeing their brutality. behind this wall of pigs a comrade is being arrested.”
Behind the officers in the video, two or three officers can be seen leaning down over a figure.
Protesters have now re-entered the street after police had previously cleared it. The group of protesters, some with drums and megaphones, is facing off with a line of Philadelphia and Penn police officers.
About 75 additional protesters have joined the protest, lining up in front of Fisher Fine Arts Library. The police in the street are now surrounded on both sides.
Protesters are cheering and chanting “In our thousands, in our millions we are all Palestinian” and “Justice is our demand no peace on stolen land.”
At least six police officers surrounded and arrested a protester in the middle of 34th Street as protesters shouted “You don’t need six f**king pigs on one person” and “PPD, KKK, IOF, they’re all the same.”
Police officers have continued to refuse to show their badge numbers despite requests from protesters.
PAO posted a video of protesters facing off against at least 35 Philadelphia Police Officers with the caption “ON 34th.” Before the clip cuts out, protesters can be heard chanting “UPenn, you will see.”
The Freedom School for Palestine also posted an Instagram story of protesters facing off against police with the caption “LARGE PIG PRESENCE PEOPLE NEEDED NOW.”
All SEAS buildings to be closed until further notice, email says
According to an email sent by School of Engineering and Applied Science Vice Dean of Finance and Administration Mike Matthews to SEAS students, staff, and faculty at 9:16 p.m., all SEAS buildings will be closed until further notice, “effective immediately.”
Current protests and arrests at Fisher-Bennett Hall are near the Engineering Quad.
All Emergency Response Team units are being activated in response to protesters, according to the Philadelphia citywide police scanner. Traffic is stopped at the corner of 34th and Walnut streets. Police have billy clubs and are ordering protesters to get off the grass while also refusing to share their badge numbers when asked.
Protesters have resumed chanting, including “There is only one solution, intifada revolution.”
Police officers and protesters crowded around the corner of 34th and Walnut streets as multiple protesters were arrested.
Police asked protesters to move away from the Walnut St. corner after protesters and police were gathered in a tight circle, forcefully pushing each other as police attempted to make arrests. Some protesters attempted to run towards Walnut St., and many officers held tasers.
Protesters chanted “PPD, KKK, IOF, they’re all the same” and “Let them free” as people were handcuffed and led into Penn Police vans.
In a video posted to the Instagram page for Penn Against the Occupation, several Philadelphia Police officers forcefully remove five protesters from Fisher Bennett Hall, with one protester falling to the ground after being forced out.
The protesters resisted removal and yelled expletives at officers. After the protesters were removed, eight officers started to exit the building before the video cut.
The caption of the post reads “WE NEED YOU NOW!”
Several officers appear to have deployed tasers as several people have been detained and put into police vans. Many police officers had batons.
All Emergency Response Team units are being activated in response to protesters, according to the Philadelphia citywide police scanner. Traffic is stopped at the corner of 34th and Walnut streets. Police have billy clubs and are ordering protesters to get off the grass while also refusing to share their badge numbers when asked.