In a heated confrontation at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, police clashed with student protesters on Wednesday after officers cleared out a pro-Palestinian encampment that had been set up just two days prior. Despite warnings from university police to evacuate, some demonstrators refused to leave, resulting in arrests and injuries.

University police began issuing warnings to the protesters at the encampment early in the morning, urging them to vacate the area. By 9 a.m., most of the tents had been removed and UW-Madison Police had left the scene. Arrests were made, with 34 individuals taken into custody, although the majority were released without citations. However, four protesters faced charges of resisting arrest and battery to a police officer and were taken to the Dane County Jail.

UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin emphasized the university's support for free expression and peaceful protests. Mnookin stated that individuals had been given the opportunity to continue peaceful protests away from the encampment, but within the confines of campus protest guidelines.

However, just two hours after the encampment was cleared, protesters began setting up a new encampment with approximately 15 tents. Leaders of the demonstration conducted trainings on resisting arrests and organized a march and rally scheduled for later in the day.

During the initial confrontation, at least two protesters sustained injuries, including UW-Madison Professor Samer Alatout, who claimed to have been "targeted by police for violence." Alatout described being pushed into the ground and struck several times with a police shield. Video footage captured him pushing against police officers' shields prior to his arrest.

The ACLU of Wisconsin condemned the violence and criticized the response of law enforcement, asserting that military-style police tactics only exacerbate tensions and endanger those engaged in peaceful acts of dissent.

Jewish students and groups also responded to the pro-Palestinian encampments, with some expressing their disagreement with the actions taken by the police. A student protester, Mia Kurzer, emphasized their desire for peace and questioned why they were barred from public property outside the university.

In the clashes, four police officers, including three Dane County deputies and one State Trooper, were also injured, according to UW-Madison Police. The situation escalated with the arrest of several protesters, including UW-Madison Professor Sami Schalk, leading students to shout, "They're arresting professors."

After the encampment's clearance, UW-Madison Police spokesperson Marc Lovicott stated during a press conference that protesters were welcome on Library Mall as long as they refrained from camping, emphasizing that camping on campus is prohibited.

Despite the confrontations, the nationwide campus movement against the Israel-Hamas war continued to gain momentum. Similar protests were observed at other universities, including UW-Milwaukee.

University of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman affirmed the institution's support for free expression while upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of the community.

Throughout the protests, university administrations remained ambiguous about removing the encampments, with both UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee stating that camping on campus is prohibited. UW-Madison officials had indicated that they would be open to meeting with students if the tents were dismantled, however, student organizers reported that they were not included in a meeting held with faculty liaisons.

The situation at UW-Madison remains tense as demonstrators persist in their protests, demanding divestment from Israeli companies, programs, and causes.