Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney responded to the protests that erupted on Virginia Commonwealth University’s campus last night by stating his support for the university.
“My administration and Richmond Police have been in close contact with VCU officials and will continue to support them in their mission to ensure the safety of all students and community members,” Stoney said.
The response comes after the police and pro-Palestine protesters clashed Monday night when officers cleared a makeshift encampment on the lawn outside of the James Branch Cabell Library.
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Pro-Palestine protesters set up tents, which they called “a liberation zone,” demanding an immediate end to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. Similar protests have cropped up on college campuses across the country.
The demonstration lasted several hours and resulted in the police using pepper spray to clear the scene. In total, 13 people were arrested − six of whom were VCU students.
While Stoney voiced his support for the university, others condemned the police response calling it violent and unnecessary. Among them were several Richmond City Councilmembers.
These students are exercising their first amendment right to protest - they are not a threat to public safety.
— Andreas D. Addison (@andreasrva) April 30, 2024
This violent response is dangerous and totally uncalled for. Law enforcement can maintain safety without force and without using chemical agents on unarmed protesters. https://t.co/CVW4XGOFzN
First District representative Andreas Addison, who is currently running for Richmond mayor, said it is the students’ First Amendment right to protest, and they were not a threat to public safety.
“This violent response is dangerous and totally uncalled for,” Addison said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Law enforcement can maintain safety without force and without using chemical agents on unarmed protesters.”
Very disturbed by what has unfolded tonight, and on campuses across the country. I’m not ok with this.
— Katherine Jordan (@KatherineJRVA) April 30, 2024
Katherine Jordan, who represents the 2nd District, which includes VCU, said she was “very disturbed by what has unfolded tonight, and on campuses across the country.”
“I’m not okay with this,” Jordan added.
During the summer of 2020 protests, in which Richmonders joined others across the country in protesting the death of George Floyd, Stoney marched with protesters.
After Richmond police officers teargassed protesters that summer, Stoney addressed a crowd of thousands in front of City Hall and apologized for the officers’ actions and called on the department to conduct internal reviews.
When a police officer drove an unmarked SUV through protesters blocking an intersection on Monument Avenue four years ago, Stoney called for a criminal investigation.
However, he later said he saw nothing criminal in the officer’s actions. A video clip of Stoney’s comments surfaced when a Virginia Beach attorney released the footage.