Florida Police Tear Gas Anti-Israel Encampment: VIDEO
Police in Florida weren't playing games when it came to dealing with unruly protesters Wednesday.
Anti-Israel/pro-Hamas protests are happening all over the country with varying degrees of violence. A full-blown NYPD raid was needed to retake a building seized by rioters at Columbia University.
Police in Florida aren't waiting for things to get nearly that bad before doing something. In fact, they're being incredibly proactive.
Florida police tear gas anti-Israel encampment.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office released video late Wednesday night of tear gas raining down on individuals who built an encampment at the University of South Florida against school policy.
The university requested help from the HCSO, and officers didn't hesitate to send aid to get the situation under control. The video released by the police clearly shows tear gas being deployed and the incredibly loud bangs that come with it following multiple ignored commands to disperse.
You can watch the footage below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.
A total of 10 people were arrested Wednesday, and one had a gun at the time they were taken into custody, according to campus police (via Fox13).
Yes, you read that correctly. One of the unruly encampment members was armed. If that's not terrifying, then I don't know what is. Absolutely horrifying.
The school also released a statement making it clear free speech is 100% fine, but violating the law or school policies isn't going to fly. The school stated the following:
"The University of South Florida values the right to free speech and protecting the constitutional right for individuals and groups on campus to express themselves. This includes peaceful protests and demonstrations that occur regularly on USF’s three campuses without incident and are part of the public discourse of a university. However, the expression of free speech must remain peaceful and not violate the law or USF policies. The university has been clear that violence, threats, harassment and disruptions will not be tolerated."
Well said by USF. Everyone has the right to protest. That's what makes America great, but breaking the law and terrorizing people shouldn't ever be tolerated. USF and the local police in St. Petersburg are making it clear it won't be. Let me know your thoughts on the situation at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.