Video: See police, demonstrators clash during pro-Palestine protest on Cal Poly campus
Eight people were arrested Tuesday after they apparently tried to smash through the doors of Cal Poly’s Recreation Center during a protest in support of Palestine.
A video provided to The Tribune by student Lauren Emo captured the clash between law enforcement and protesters.
In the video, several protesters carrying large wooden signs shaped like riot shields can be seen pulling on metal barricades placed in front of the entrance to the Rec Center as a pair of officers hold the other ends of the barriers.
At one point, the video shows, more officers run up to the group, and a shout of “get on the ground” can be heard. An officer then appears to throw one of the protesters to the ground, before tackling the person and hitting them several times.
The scene escalates with more people running into the frame amid yelling and shoving between the officers and protesters. During the fray, another protester is tackled to the ground.
Cal Poly spokesman Lazier said officers with the Cal Poly Police Department were on hand “to provide safety and security at the career fair,” which was happening inside the Rec Center, as the event was not open to the general public.
SLOPD officers were called in to help “after the group of protesters started to get violent,” he said.
The San Luis Obispo Police Department SLOPD issued a statement Tuesday evening saying one of its officers shown in the video “was forced to protect himself when a protester attempted to take one of his guns” and struck one of the protesters.
The Police Department said the incident will be reviewed to determine if the officer acted within department policy.
This story was originally published January 23, 2024 at 5:53 PM.
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