At the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, a tense situation unfolded during an anti-Israel protest that led to the arrest of ten individuals, including one protester who was armed. The arrests occurred after a gathering that started peacefully escalated into a situation that authorities deemed unlawful.
The protest, which took place on the USF campus, initially saw around 75 to 100 participants, some of whom were not affiliated with the university. They arrived with wood shields, umbrellas, and tents, indicating preparation for a sustained demonstration. As the day progressed, tensions heightened with social media posts suggesting some protesters intended to bring weapons to counter university staff and campus police actions.
The demonstration took place near Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza, a central area on the USF campus. This was the same location where, just a day earlier, three individuals were arrested under similar circumstances. By late afternoon, with a deadline set by the university for the protesters to disperse, the situation escalated further.
Police responded with tear gas to disperse the crowd after declaring the demonstration no longer lawful. This action was taken to ensure the safety of all involved, including students not participating in the protest. Among those arrested, Atah Othman, aged 39, was found to be carrying a firearm. He faces multiple charges, including possession of a firearm on school property and resisting an officer without violence. Othman was later released on bond.
Other individuals arrested faced various charges, ranging from unlawful assembly and trespassing to more severe accusations such as resisting officers with violence and aggravated assault. The arrests highlight the complex and volatile nature of campus protests, especially when they intersect with global political issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The protest and subsequent arrests have sparked significant controversy and discussion within the USF community. The Tampa Bay Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), which organized the protest, criticized the university administration’s response, accusing them of allowing the brutalization of students and community members exercising their rights to free speech and assembly.
The university has stated that any student involved in the arrests may face sanctions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order and respecting campus policies during demonstrations. This incident at USF is part of a broader pattern of campus activism that has been witnessed across various universities, raising questions about the balance between free expression and campus safety.