In late April 2024, pro-Palestinian demonstrations at U.S. college campuses gained momentum, leading to heated confrontations and calls for action from university authorities. During these protests, two photographs emerged on social media alleging the presence of law enforcement snipers positioned on the roofs of buildings at Ohio State University (OSU) and Indiana University (IU).

The first photo, originating from Ohio State University, depicted two individuals standing on top of the Ohio Union building. Dressed in military-style attire, the individuals were observed using what appeared to be spotting scopes to observe the protesters on the nearby South Oval. As the situation escalated and arrests began, the photograph suggested that the two individuals switched to long-range firearms. Details regarding the exact nature of the objects atop their tripods remain unclear due to the shading in the image.

The second photo, reportedly from Indiana University, showcased the top of the Indiana Memorial Union building. The image was shared by an account affiliated with IUonstrike, a group advocating for Palestinian rights. While unable to fully authenticate the photo, it bears resemblance to the building's architecture and location. Reports indicated that the IU Divestment Coalition encouraged students to establish an encampment on Dunn Meadow, a nearby green space, to exert pressure on the university regarding its stance on Israel and Palestinians.

Despite circulating online, direct confirmation or information from university officials regarding the presence of snipers on the IU building has not been obtained. The Indiana University public relations office declined to provide comments and directed inquiries to the Indiana State Police (ISP). The ISP and the campus newspaper, the Indiana Daily Student, have been reached out to for further clarification and are yet to respond.

These controversial photographs created significant buzz on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit. Their circulation added to the already intense dialogue surrounding the pro-Palestinian protests on U.S. campuses. Concerns about the use of force by law enforcement and the protection of protesters' rights have been raised by individuals across various social media channels.

The presence of state police snipers, alleged in these images, has sparked discussions regarding the role of law enforcement in managing demonstrations and ensuring the safety of all parties involved. As universities grapple with balancing free speech rights and campus security, the public eagerly awaits official statements from OSU, IU, and law enforcement on the matter.

As the situation unfolds, Snopes will continue to monitor developments and update this story with any responses from university officials or law enforcement agencies involved.