Over two dozen protesters arrested for occupying University of Washington building

More than two dozen protesters were arrested late Monday night after a group of anti-Israel demonstrators occupied an academic building at the University of Washington. 

The protesters were part of the Students United for Palestinian Equality and Return group and called for the university to break its ties with Boeing amid the war in Israel. It is not clear if all the demonstrators are students at the university.

University of Washington Assistant Vice President for Communications Victor Balta told ABC News that approximately 30 protesters were arrested on trespassing, property destruction and disorderly conduct charges. Some were also charged with conspiracy to commit all three charges, and referred to King County Prosecutor's Office.

"Any students identified as being involved will also be referred to the Student Conduct Office," Balta said.

A spokesperson for the pro-Palestinian group, Oliver Marchant, also confirmed the arrests and said some of the protesters were injured in the incident.

''They were all arrested and legal and political support is ongoing for them," Marchant told the outlet, "All arrested except one were inside the building — some of those arrested were also injured during the arrest and need medical attention."

Marchant did not detail the extent of the injuries.

The demonstrations largely occurred overnight, with protesters slipping into the campus' Interdisciplinary Engineering Building just before it closed at 5 p.m. local time. The campus police began clearing the building at approximately 11 p.m.

The group was primarily protesting Boeing's influence and relationship with the school, which has a long history with the university, including by helping to fund the creation of the engineering building the group occupied. 

The anti-Israel group said among the demands was a request for the building to be renamed, along with ending all donations from Boeing.

"Return any existing donations, financial investments, and eliminate all other material ties to Boeing," the group said. "Prohibit Boeing executives and employees from teaching classes or having any influence over curriculum."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.