Texas prosecutors on Wednesday dismissed nearly 80 arrests on suspicion of trespassing at a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Texas, according to the Associated Press.
Travis County Democratic State's Attorney General Delia Garza said 79 trespass cases stemming from the April 29 school protests were dismissed because her office failed to meet its legal burden of proving the cases, and the charges were dropped, news outlets reported. report. (Related: Confusion spreads between authorities and pro-Palestinian protesters)
Tensions rose between Texas state authorities and pro-Palestinian activists on the university's campus in April after a large group of students demonstrated in support of a Gaza ceasefire. Protesters had been on campus for a week, and video showed them clashing with police in riot gear and firing pepper spray at crowds.
After the incident, the university said the protesters were not affiliated with the university and that camping on campus was prohibited, according to the Associated Press. Authorities also alleged that some activists engaged in “physical and verbal combat” with authorities during the incident, which led to mass arrests, the news outlet reported.
Texas State Police stand guard during a pro-Palestinian protest against Israel's attacks on Gaza in response to Hamas attacks on October 7 at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas, April 29, 2024. (Photo by Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images)
Garza responded to the incident by saying he hoped authorities would find “an alternative solution that allows students to voice what they feel they need to voice,” according to the outlet, adding that the response to protesters “continues to prioritize government outreach over actual public safety.” However, University of Texas officials disagreed with Garza's actions and said they were “very” disappointed the charges were dropped.
“Freedom of speech is welcome on our campus, but violations of laws and regulations will not be tolerated,” the school said in a statement, according to the Associated Press. “Any violation of the law or school rules should be meted out appropriate punishment, not political posturing or press conferences.”
According to the outlet, the Democratic district attorney said his office investigated whether the activists' free speech rights were violated, whether there was enough evidence to convict them, and whether pursuing the case would be in the interest of justice. Garza noted that while 79 charges were dropped, other related cases are still being pursued.
This latest drop comes after pro-Palestinian protesters were released without charge during other protests on the University of Texas campus in April.
