Pro-Hamas Protesters Face Charges Half a Year After ASU Takeover

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the filing of misdemeanor trespassing charges against 68 individuals arrested during a pro-Hamas protest at Arizona State University (ASU) in April. The demonstrators ignored repeated orders from ASU police to dismantle their encampment on the university’s alumni lawn near Old Main.

According to A.R.S. 13-1502, criminal trespassing occurs when a person unlawfully remains on property after being asked to leave by law enforcement or a person in control of the property. If found guilty, the accused could face up to 30 days in county jail, a $500 fine, and a year of probation as this charge is classified as a Class-3 misdemeanor.

“The right to free speech does not extend to violating the law,” stated Mitchell. She emphasized that ASU’s regulations clearly prohibit encampments in that area and highlighted that many of the protesters were not affiliated with the university. “ASU, along with local law enforcement, had a responsibility to keep the area safe for students and faculty,” she added, underscoring the accountability role her office assumes.

Following the arrests on April 26, ASU affirmed in a statement that a majority of those detained were not students or faculty, with only 15 of the 72 arrests being ASU affiliates. The protest escalated and violated university policy which restricts overnight demonstrations between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Subsequent reports from ABC15 revealed that 20 individuals among those arrested were ASU students who faced suspensions. Additionally, independent journalist Kyle Becker noted that fraternity members assisted campus police in dismantling the encampment. Students stated their commitment to safeguarding campus free speech and noted that they felt compelled to act against instances of anti-Semitism.

In the weeks following the incident, initial charges against the demonstrators were dropped, citing delays by ASU police in forwarding the cases to the prosecutor’s office. However, the charges were formally submitted later on.

The protest’s aftermath triggered significant scrutiny, leading to the administrative leave and eventual retirement of ASU Police Chief Michael Thompson, following various complaints regarding his conduct during the demonstration.

Mitchell’s office confirmed that the arrests involved support from Tempe Police, Arizona Department of Public Safety, and Maricopa County Sheriff’s Officers, with trial dates yet to be established.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Reach out to him on X for updates or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.