In a demonstration of solidarity with students advocating for divestment from Israel, pro-Palestine protesters gathered in New Orleans' historic French Quarter. However, their attempts to set up an encampment in Jackson Square Park were met with resistance from local law enforcement officers, resulting in a dozen arrests and the use of force.

Eyewitnesses and video footage reviewed by The Guardian revealed that police officers used batons and tasers on the protesters who had congregated in the park. Three individuals were reportedly treated in the hospital as a result of the clashes, as confirmed by sources in direct contact with the arrestees.

According to a press release from the New Orleans police, five officers required medical attention after allegedly being struck during the protest. However, all officers were reported to be in stable condition. The release further stated that two arrestees have been charged with "hate crimes on law enforcement."

The demonstration began around 4pm on Sunday, with roughly 50 protesters setting up tents and blankets in Jackson Square Park. Attendees described the group as a diverse mixture of "artists, queers, and community members, as well as families." The protesters aimed to show solidarity with the ongoing student-led encampments across the country, which have been calling for divestment from Israel. Over the past two weeks, numerous encampments have sprung up at universities nationwide, resulting in nearly 1,000 student arrests.

During the gathering, protesters in Jackson Square Park chatted, played music, and even cheered for a nearby marriage proposal. Children led chants on a megaphone, while their mother, wearing a hijab, observed with a smile. One protester, Kinsey, described the atmosphere as "wholesome," explaining that their intention was to take up space and show support.

However, tensions escalated when the public park closed at 7pm, and police officers instructed protesters to leave. Approximately 30 individuals remained inside the gates, while more gathered outside the fence. Within the park, law enforcement officers began using force, forcefully arresting several protesters as clashes ensued.

As the protest spilled into the adjacent public square, Louisiana state police joined the scene. Protester Kinsey reported witnessing "an indiscriminate doling out of force," with officers using batons and tasers on protesters, some of whom had not entered the park at all. Multiple witnesses and video evidence confirmed at least three instances of individuals being tased by officers.

One video obtained by The Guardian captured a woman being tased by a male officer while running away, resulting in her falling face-down on the pavement and subsequent arrest. Another video showed a woman in an orange dress being wrestled onto the ground, while an onlooker pleaded for her release, stating she was a med student who had not been in the park. Despite these pleas, an officer proceeded to deploy his taser on the handcuffed woman.

Protesters attempting to document the actions of the police also faced violence. Kinsey recounted being body-slammed head-first to the ground, resulting in a concussion. However, due to their injuries, Kinsey was unable to stand and subsequently unable to be arrested by the police.

In response to the events, the New Orleans Police Department issued a statement noting that officers had instructed protesters to leave the park as it was closing. The statement claimed that while many protesters left peacefully, some became violent and struck officers with objects. Five officers reported injuries from blows to the head and body.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell, a Democrat, expressed support for the police officers, emphasizing their responsibility to de-escalate situations and restore order. Protesters have clarified that the encampment was an autonomous action and not organized by any specific group or individual.

It is important to note that the New Orleans Police Department has been under a federal consent decree since 2012 due to previous instances of unconstitutional conduct.