A University of Chicago student faces felony charges for allegedly battering a Chicago police officer during a pro-Palestinian demonstration on October 11th. The 21-year-old undergraduate is accused of striking the officer in the face and body and grabbing their arms, causing bruising. Police say the incident occurred amidst clashes between protesters and officers, who used pepper spray and batons.
However, a faculty member who witnessed the event claims the student was attempting to protect another protester being struck with a baton. This faculty member, who requested anonymity fearing university retaliation, stated the student showed no aggression towards officers. A bystander’s video, reviewed by WBEZ, shows the student appearing to intervene on behalf of the other protester but doesn’t clearly depict her striking or grabbing any officers. While the bystander believes the video shows the incident leading to the charges, WBEZ could not confirm this.
The student was arrested at her dorm on December 11th, two months after the protest, and charged with obstruction and aggravated battery of a peace officer. The Chicago Police Department explained the delay as the result of a follow-up investigation. Muhammad Sankari, lead organizer for the Arab American Action Network, speculates the delayed arrest is linked to the change in leadership at the State’s Attorney’s Office. He suggests the new prosecutor, Eileen O’Neill Burke, is taking a “tough on crime” approach, contrasting with her predecessor’s tendency to dismiss protest-related offenses. O’Neill Burke’s office declined to comment on pending cases.
Sankari advises students involved in protests to understand the law and connect with organizations like the National Lawyers Guild. He criticized the prosecution’s actions, stating it is unfortunate that resources are spent on prosecuting young people involved in protesting what he termed “livestreamed genocide.”