By about 5:15 p.m. on Monday, law enforcement at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa deployed tear gas to disperse a crowd of protestors. News Channel 8 crews captured footage of several individuals being detained, and at least six people were taken into custody, according to reporter Linnie Supall.

The protest, organized by the Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society, saw three individuals advocating for a free Palestine being arrested on the USF campus. Despite attempts by the university to suppress the demonstration, another protest is planned for Tuesday.

The upcoming demonstration is scheduled to take place near the school's library at 10 a.m., with support from other advocates. Tyler Ramirez, one of the students involved in Monday's protest, expressed their determination to exercise their First Amendment rights, despite the university's opposition.

However, the events unfolding have left the local Jewish community and descendants of Holocaust survivors, such as Michael Igel, in shock. They express concern about the protests happening so close to home. Omar Rabah, a Palestinian student at USF, explained that the demonstration aims to draw attention to what is happening in Gaza, going beyond the issue of genocide. Their objective is to pressure the university to stop funding companies like Lockheed Martin, which they believe support the alleged genocide.

Igel countered this perspective, stating that much of the information presented by the protestors is inaccurate. He points out that the term "genocide" has a legal definition and was coined in the wake of the Holocaust. He believes that the situation in Gaza does not meet the criteria for labeling it as genocide.

Governor Ron DeSantis has taken a firm stance against those participating in pro-Palestinian protests, suggesting that they should be expelled from their universities. He even recommends canceling their visas, if applicable. Nevertheless, Rabah remains committed to fighting for what he believes is right, even if it means sacrificing his dreams of becoming a medical professional.

Amid the demonstration, supporters of Israel stood nearby, while the chant of "Free Palestine" echoed through the USF campus. University leaders expressed their support for peaceful protests but considered the recent action a disruption due to the attempted establishment of a permanent Gaza solidarity camp with tents.

It is worth noting that the group hosting the protest has been on interim suspension for previous disruptions on campus. The university had warned students multiple times not to bring tents, further emphasizing their opposition to the current protests.

As tensions persist, the USF campus remains a focal point for the ongoing debate surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.