In a dramatic turn of events, the University of Pennsylvania witnessed the arrest of 19 pro-Palestinian protesters on Friday night. The demonstrators, most of whom were not students, allegedly attempted to occupy Fisher-Bennett Hall, leading to a confrontation with campus and Philadelphia Police Department officers.

The protest group, Penn Gaza Solidarity, had announced their intention to occupy the building as part of their ongoing demands. These demands include disclosure of the university's investments, divestment from the Israeli apartheid state, and support for pro-Palestine protestors and scholars. However, the group has not yet officially commented on the arrests.

Out of the 19 protesters apprehended, the university confirmed that six were students. As of Saturday morning, twelve individuals were issued citations for failure to disperse and failure to follow police commands, and were subsequently released. However, seven individuals remain in custody, awaiting felony charges, including one for assaulting a police officer.

The demonstration, which began peacefully, saw a change in tone as officers attempted to prevent the protesters from entering Fisher-Bennett Hall. Scuffles broke out, resulting in the arrest of several individuals who were taken away in handcuffs.

Prior to their dispersal, the demonstrators marched from the campus to the Penn Museum and eventually to Franklin Field, where the university is scheduled to hold its commencement on Monday. The University of Pennsylvania claimed that during their investigation, campus officers discovered lock-picking tools and homemade metal shields made from oil drums. Additionally, they alleged that exit doors were secured with zip-ties, barbed wire, and barricaded with metal chairs and desks, while windows were covered with newspaper and cardboard.

These recent events follow the dismantling of an encampment on the College Green last week, which had persisted for a two-week duration.

The University of Pennsylvania has not provided any further details regarding the current status of the arrested protesters and whether any disciplinary actions will be taken against the student protestors. Local authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

As tensions persist, it remains to be seen how both the university and the pro-Palestinian groups will address the situation going forward.