Misdemeanor trespassing charges have been filed against 68 individuals who defied police orders to leave ASU’s Tempe campus during a pro-Hamas protest last April.
According to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, all 68 were involved in a large demonstration on the Alumni Lawn near Old Main, an area where campus rules prohibit encampments. Throughout the day, uniformed ASU Police officers approached the group and requested that the demonstrators remove their tents and leave the area in accordance with university policy. Most refused. After midnight, when members of the group continued to defy police orders, they were arrested.
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Officers from the Tempe Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office assisted in those arrests.
All of the 68 demonstrators arrested were charged with Criminal Trespass In The Third Degree, a Class Three Misdemeanor.
“The right to free speech does not extend to violating the law,” said Maricopa County Attorney Mitchell. “The university’s policy is clear – encampments are not permitted in this particular area on campus. The protestors – many of whom were not students – were given the chance, over and over again, to peacefully take down the encampments and leave the area. ASU, along with local law enforcement, had a responsibility to keep the area safe for students and faculty. My office is now playing the equally important role of holding these people accountable for their actions.”
