Tempers and tensions flared on the George Washington University campus early Wednesday morning, resulting in a heavy-handed police response to a pro-Palestine demonstration. Authorities arrested 33 people following at least six warnings, Police Chief Smith confirmed, while charges ranged from unlawful entry to assault on a police officer, with 29 incidentals logged as unlawful entry. The use of pepper spray was also confirmed, utilized as a deterrent against assaults on the police force, FOX 5 DC covered.

Discontent swelled among the community as parents of the student protesters joined hands in condemnation of the forceful methods, and two of the university's top administrators' perceived inadequacies. They are demanding the resignation of President Ellen Granberg and Provost Christopher Bracey, "[Granberg's] giving false information to the parents who are not involved in this, telling them that all trials from the organization to talk to the students have failed, this is a big shameful lie," one parent alleged according to DC News Now. Support also came from faculty members of surrounding institutions such as American University and George Mason University, showcasing solidarity in frustration over the altercation and in their call for administrative resignations, "The Ellen Granbergs of this world represent and support this genocide and are willing to trample the rights of their students in the name of allowing this genocide to continue," an American University faculty member expressed during the briefing.

While law enforcement and city officials backed the actions taken, with Mayor Muriel Bowser and Smith standing firm on their stance regarding the arrests, the decision to clear the campus has met a well of mixed reactions across different quarters. Parents of some GWU students openly disapproved of the police measures during a press conference held on Wednesday at noon, the sentiment borne out of concern for their children's well-being and treatment on campus, WJLA reported.