Protesters re-enter library at PSU, tensions escalate

Police cleared the library early Thursday morning, protesters returned in evening

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Hours after Portland police cleared an occupied library at Portland State University amid protests calling for a Gaza ceasefire, protesters have re-entered the building early Thursday evening.

Just before 7 p.m., Portland Police Bureau announced that anyone “who breached fencing and building security measures at Millar Library” are now considered under arrest for second-degree trespass, according to a communication PPB released on X. They said anyone resisting arrest could be subjected to use of force or further criminal charges.

Just after 5 p.m., KOIN 6 News crews were outside the Millar Library as reporters Brandon Thompson and Ariel Salk observed people returning to the building and taking plywood out of dumpsters out front. By 5:30 p.m. KOIN 6 camera crews saw the protesters repurposing police-placed chain-link fence barricades, taking them down briefly and then putting them back up again.

PSU confirmed that protesters had re-taken the library by 6 p.m. Thursday.

The library occupation originally began Monday night after protests first kicked off on campus late last week. 

By Thursday morning at 6 a.m., Portland Police Bureau officers in riot gear began clearing out the building. As they did so, protesters could be seen running from the building, some of whom were equipped with makeshift shields made out of garbage containers. PPB announced the building was completely cleared by 10:30 a.m.

The protesters were evicted onto the street and pushed back by police, who ended up arresting 22 by 4:30 p.m. Of those 22 arrested, only 7 were PSU students, police said.

Reports also surfaced shortly after this that a person arrived at the crowd in a car, got out of the vehicle and sprayed people with either mace or bear spray.

KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this story.