Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered at Portland State University's campus on Monday, April 29, 2024, in a show of solidarity with the ongoing protests against the war in Gaza. The peaceful protests took a turn when a group of demonstrators broke into and occupied the Branford Price Millar Library overnight.

The occupation prompted the closure of the campus on Tuesday, April 30, as the authorities addressed the ongoing incident at the library. Portland State University announced the closure via their official Twitter account, urging students and staff to check their registered modes of communication for updates and guidance.

For several days leading up to the occupation, smaller anti-war demonstrations had been taking place on the campus in connection with nationwide protests against the war in Gaza. Over the weekend, pro-Palestinian rights protesters barricaded an entrance to the library using orange construction fencing, garbage cans, and other debris, declaring it a "liberated zone."

Following the occupation, Portland officials, including Mayor Ted Wheeler, Police Chief Bob Day, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt, and PSU President Ann Cudd, held a late-night press conference on Monday, urging the demonstrators to vacate the building. Mayor Wheeler emphasized the importance of universities as spaces for the exploration of diverse ideas but condemned the criminal destruction and violence exhibited during the occupation.

District Attorney Schmidt vowed to prosecute those arrested during the occupation, stating that felony charges, including burglary, felony criminal mischief, and potential misdemeanors, could be filed based on gathered evidence.

According to Chief Day, an estimated 50 individuals were inside the library during the occupation. While the timeline for their removal was not disclosed, Portland leaders urged students and protesters to leave voluntarily. Day confirmed that Portland police were working with campus law enforcement to establish a plan to address the protest if voluntary evacuation did not occur.

Meanwhile, the encampments at other Northwest universities, including Reed College, Lewis & Clark, University of Oregon, and University of Washington, also grew on Monday. In addition, Columbia University in New York saw students occupying a campus building in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Nationwide, protesters demanded that universities sever ties with Israel and weapon manufacturers due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians. In response, Portland State University announced a pause in its philanthropic relationship with Boeing and pledged to reassess that tie in May. Protesters called on university officials to take further action, including advocating for a ceasefire in the conflict.

The situation at Portland State University and other campuses across the country is still developing. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.