AUSTIN, Texas — More than 130 arrests were made during multiple pro-Palestine protests at the University of Texas at Austin in recent weeks.
More than half of those arrested now 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:
- Erecting tents
- Attempting to establish an encampment
- Unauthorized use of amplified sound
- Unauthorized use of tables on the South Lawn
- Demonstrating in unauthorized locations/non-common areas
- Use of face coverings to conceal identity
- Failure to identify
- Failure to comply with directives related to the above
- Shoving staff
- Items brought to use as weapons (guns, shields, objects intended for throwing)
- Failure to follow city, state, and federal laws (criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, assault on public servant)
UT officials said the last two items were just examples and not comprehensive. 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
- 'A tremendous strain on our criminal justice resources' | Travis County Attorney addresses Monday's 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