RICHMOND, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – An unknown number of people were arrested at a pro-Palestinian protest Monday night at VCU in Richmond that began during the day with a small gathering outside the Cabell Library, but then grew to hundreds at Monroe Park down the street by late afternoon. A couple dozen people gathered outside the library as time progressed. But then as more people showed up, the demonstration moved over to Monroe Park. CBS6’s Tracy Sears reports the protest was peaceful and some started pitching tents in the park. She says it was around 9 o’clock when police with shields and various degrees of riot gear showed up and started clearing the park, uprooting the tents, and arrested people. By shortly after 10pm, the people had dispersed and it was quiet again.

Governor Youngkin, apparently after hearing about VCU last night and Virginia Tech Sunday, posted on social media around 1am our time from Germany. He posted, “Across the Commonwealth we’ve seen student and significant non-student participants, throw projectiles at law enforcement, violate the policies of our colleges and universities, obstruct and disrupt student life and endanger public safety.”
“After repeated warnings and refusal to disperse, law enforcement must protect Virginians.”
“My administration will continue to fully support campus, local and state law enforcement and university leadership to keep our campuses safe.”

In Blacksburg, the number was released of 82 arrested from Sunday’s protest and encampment attempt at Virginia Tech.