Protestors occupy PSU library as classes are canceled Tuesday
Protestors continue to occupy Portland State University's library Tuesday morning in a protest over the war in Gaza.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Protestors continue to occupy Portland State University's library Tuesday morning in a protest over the war in Gaza and the school has announced that the campus will be closed today.
Late Monday night, Mayor Ted Wheeler, Portland police chief Bob Day, Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt and PSU president Ann Cudd came together to address the media about the library occupation, encouraging the protestors to leave peacefully.
According to Cudd, the protests were peaceful until Monday morning, saying the “encampment has grown and has resulted in much more significant property damage and intimidation.”
Authorities are saying the protest has crossed the line from a free speech event into a criminal event. Schmidt even said that his office will prosecute cases as they come in and that "felony charges could be filed."
PSU shared on X that the campus will be closed on Tuesday and directed all students to check their emails for updates.
Police have not given a timeline for when they would enter the library.
Stay tuned with KOIN 6 as we bring you more on this situation.