Over two dozen arrested after pro-Palestinian protest at University of Washington

More than 25 individuals were arrested at the University of Washington (UW) after protesters took over an academic building on campus, demanding the university cut ties with defence contractor Boeing over its role in the ongoing war in Gaza.

The demonstration was organised by a group called Students United for Palestinian Equality and Return (SUPER UW), which said it was responsible for the occupation of the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building (IEB). A spokesperson for the group, Oliver Marchant, told ABC News that all but one of those arrested had been inside the building. He added that some sustained injuries during the arrests and are in need of medical attention.

"All arrested except one were inside the building — some of those arrested were also injured during arrest and need medical attention," Marchant said in a statement. "They were all arrested, and legal and political support is ongoing for them."

According to a university statement, the group of “a few dozen individuals” entered the IEB just before its scheduled 5 p.m. closing. The university noted that the protesters were covering their faces and stacking furniture near building entrances. Campus police were called to the scene, and arrests followed shortly after.

In its public statement, UW said that all individuals affiliated with the university who did not wish to remain in the building had safely exited. It declared that those remaining inside were trespassing and would be subject to legal consequences and potential disciplinary action under student conduct rules.

SUPER UW issued a list of demands calling for the university to sever all ties with Boeing. Among the demands were: removing Boeing's name from the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building, returning any financial contributions from Boeing, banning further donations or investments from the company, and barring Boeing employees or executives from teaching or influencing university curricula.

Boeing, a major defence and aerospace company, contributed $10 million to the construction of the $90 million Interdisciplinary Engineering Building, which was completed in 2022. At the time, the university noted its long-standing relationship with Boeing, dating back more than a century.

Despite the arrests, the protest group said its legal and political campaign in support of those detained will continue.

By Tamilla Hasanova