AUSTIN, Texas — Following Monday's pro-Palestine protest at the University of Texas at Austin, police say they plan to file a felony gun-related charge.
According to the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD), at least one third-degree felony charge will be filed with the Travis County District Attorney's Office.
Officials wouldn't specify what the gun-related charge would be since the case is still under investigation, however, UT officials confirmed they've contacted the district attorney's office about the charge.
"Felony charges are filed with the district attorney. UTPD has been in contact with the Travis County DA's office regarding this case.," UT's Mike Rosen told KVUE in a statement.
District Attorney José Garza's office also confirmed to KVUE that UTPD has been in contact about the charge, but couldn't give any additional details.
The news about the charge comes after nearly 80 arrests were made during Monday's protest. Those arrested face charges ranging from criminal trespassing, to obstructing a highway or passageway, to interfering with public duties.
Some Austin city leaders say the arrests are overwhelming Travis County's legal system, leading others to wonder what rules were broken by protesters at UT.
According to the university, 11 "known violations of Institutional Rules" were committed during the April 24 and April 29 protests. They also said guns found at the protest were open carry and visible, even though the university would not share any photos of them.
What is UT's campus carry rule?
In 2015, Senate Bill 11 allowed those licensed to carry to bring a concealed handgun onto university campuses. It also gave public universities discretion to regulate campus carry.
Those with a license to carry are eligible to carry a concealed handgun on campus if they're 21 or older. They must also clear eligibility requirements like a criminal background, mental health history and substance abuse issues.
Concealed carry is "generally" allowed in outdoor areas as well as buildings and spaces accessible to the public. However, "a license holder may not carry a partially or wholly visible handgun on campus premises or on any university driveway, street, sidewalk or walkway, parking lot, parking garage, or other parking area.
Read more about the pro-Palestine protests at UT Austin:
- 'It becomes very divisive' | Senior at UT Austin reflects on protests ahead of graduation
- 'Tremendous strain on our criminal justice resources' | Travis County Attorney addresses arrests at UT protest
- Protesters gather outside Travis County Jail after another rally on UT Austin's campus
- After UT Austin arrests, Texas State students also participate in pro-Palestine sit-in
- UT Austin protestors do not meet standards to be charged after Wednesday's demonstration