Law enforcement officials at the University of South Florida (USF) used tear gas on anti-Israel protesters after giving them a warning to leave the campus. A video posted on Twitter showed officials instructing the protesters to disperse within five minutes or face tear gas. Some protesters tried to shield themselves with umbrellas or signs but eventually left the area.
USF stated that 75 to 100 protesters had arrived on campus, some of whom expressed intent to use weapons and resist staff and officers. Police warned the protesters to leave before deploying tear gas and rubber bullets. Rubber bullets are described as kinetic impact projectiles that can cause harm, especially to the eye. The protest was deemed an unlawful assembly, leading to the use of tear gas.
Other universities in Florida, including the University of Florida, have also faced similar anti-Israel protests. Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the protesters and pledged to expel students engaging in similar behavior. The anti-Israel protests have spread to various universities across the country since starting at Columbia University in April, with incidents reported at Harvard, Princeton, George Washington, and New York University.
