How the University of Utah protests and police response unfolded, as seen through photos and video

Hundreds of protesters linked arms at the University of Utah on Monday in concert with other students across the country rallying in support of Palestine.

Police from several agencies across Salt Lake County responded in riot gear and, by the end of the night, they reported arresting 19 individuals, according to updated numbers. Law enforcement had declared the gathering, which included an encampment with more than 20 tents, unlawful.

Below is a visual timeline of events from Salt Lake Tribune journalists who witnessed the events unfold.

Protestors gather at ‘emergency’ rally

A university student group, Mecha, planned what members called an “emergency” rally on campus Monday for Palestine. Hundreds of students and some professors attended with posters and megaphones, chanting “Free, free Palestine.”

They demanded that the U. divest its endowment from Israel and companies that may be benefitting from the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

“Not a penny. Not a dime,” they said.

Tents are set up

The protesters set up more than two dozen tents on the grass in front of the Park Building, which houses the offices for university leaders, including U. President Taylor Randall.

The students called it their “Solidarity Camp.” They wheeled in wagons full of sleeping bags, granola bars and water bottles. Most wore scarves and masks covering their faces.

Campus police officers paced the perimeter, carrying zip ties.

Police arrive and attempt to disperse the group

As the student group grew and formed a circle around the encampment, law enforcement from around Salt Lake County was called.

Around 9:45 p.m., they began announcing messages that the tents needed to be dismantled or students would face “criminal consequences.”

The protesters continued to chant slogans in support of Palestine and call for the university to act. “Stand your ground,” they said.

Police and students shouted insults at each other.

Unlawful activity declared and police move in riot gear

After repeated warnings to disperse, dozens of police moved in rows toward the students. They wore heavy protection and carried shields as they demanded the protesters leave the area.

Some protesters are arrested as police tear down the encampment

At 11 p.m., police began to break up the line of protesters, making arrests and tearing down structures that the group set up. One woman was carrying a hatchet, and police forcibly removed her.

Others were carried off by their arms or feet.

Some protesters reformed lines shouting “Stand your ground”; others took the remaining encampments and moved them to the west end of Presidents’ Circle.

Police continued to move in, arresting those who threw objects or did not comply. Students shouted obscenities and called the officers “traitors.”

One protester attempted to pick up a rock to throw. He was later arrested.

“People are dying and this is what you’re doing?” one woman shouted. Four students continued to wave their signs as they walked backward from the police line.

Law enforcement moves group off campus, more arrests occur

By midnight, police had cleared the protesters out of Presidents’ Circle and off campus. They continued to make arrests as they pushed the group past 1300 East.

One student lay on the asphalt of University Street with zip ties around his wrists.

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