Anti-Israel campus protests: Police arrest more than 2,800 people nationwide

University of Pennsylvania officials said fewer than a third of protesters arrested on campus Friday during anti-Israel protests were students.

“Penn Police have now confirmed that 9 Penn students were among the 33 individuals arrested – the other 24 individuals have no connection to Penn,” the university said in a statement.

“The arrested people received a notice of violation of the law and were quickly released later in the morning. During the search of the warehouse, Penn police recovered several homemade weapons, chains, bolts and other metal parts.”

“At approximately 5:30 a.m. this morning, Penn Police, with assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department, took steps to clear the unauthorized encampment on College Green,” a spokesperson said. “The protesters were given multiple warnings about trespassing and were offered the opportunity to leave voluntarily and avoid charges.

“Those who chose to stay did so knowing they would be arrested and deported,” the spokesman added. “Approximately 33 people were arrested without incident and charged with criminal trespass.”

Acting UPenn President J. Larry Jameson and other senior university officials released a joint statement this morning saying the removal of the encampment was a “regrettable but necessary step to prevent violence, restore operations and keep our campus ours.” Giving back to the community.”

“We have worked with serious intent for nearly two weeks to address the protesters on College Green who were told they were violating Penn’s policies on April 26 – the second day of the encampment,” administrators wrote. “This operation was met with unreasonable demands and a dangerous escalation of the camp.”

Fox News Digital’s Greg Norman contributed to this report.