19 anti-Israel protesters arrested after attempting to occupy building at UPenn

The demonstrators were reportedly demanding that the university divest from Israel. 
Harvard, Palestinian protest, Cambridge, Mass., Jan. 29, 2024

Nineteen anti-Israel protesters were arrested after they attempted to occupy Fisher-Bennett Hall located on the University of Pennsylvania's campus in Philadelphia. 

A spokesperson for the university said on Friday that 19 people were taken into custody, including seven who were Penn students. Twelve were given citations for not complying with police orders, according to CBS News.

"Earlier this evening, a group of individuals entered Fisher-Bennett Hall on Penn's campus and attempted to occupy it. Penn Police, with support from Philadelphia Police, escorted them out and secured the building, taking several individuals into custody," the spokesperson said.

While the 12 who were given citations have been released, seven are still in custody facing felony charges as of Saturday afternoon.  

Multiple Philadelphia police officers were sent to the scene. The demonstrators were reportedly demanding that the university disclose its investments and divest from Israel. 

Police said that the crowd cleared around 11 p.m.

Demonstrators could be seen chanting and linking arms in the middle of 34th Street.