Pro-Palestine protesters arrested at Texas university (VIDEOS)

State troopers detained dozens of activists whole refused to leave the premises

State troopers used pepper spray and stun grenades as they arrested dozens of pro-Palestine protesters camping at the University of Texas in Austin. At least 40 people have been arrested on Monday, according to the Texas Tribune. 

Some students resisted arrest and had to be dragged by the officers, while others shouted “shame” and threw water on the police bus.  

“UT Austin requested backup assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety to protect the safety of the campus community and enforce our Institutional Rules, such as the rule that prohibits encampments on campus,” the university said in a statement.

Tense standoffs between police and activists are taking place in colleges across the US where students are demanding that Israel end its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The students involved in the demonstrations are urging universities and the US government to cut ties with the Israeli authorities and the army. 

More than 800 protesters have been arrested on US campuses since April 18, including more than 200 across four universities on Saturday, according to the New York Times.