Pro-Palestinian protesters occupy University of Washington building and face arrests

On May 5, 2025, a group of pro-Palestinian protesters occupied the Interdisciplinary Engineering Building at the University of Washington in the United States. The group, identifying themselves as Students United for Palestinian Equality and Return (SUPER UW), demanded the university sever its ties with Boeing due to its military contracts with Israel. The occupation began shortly before the building's closure at 5 p.m. and involved demonstrators blocking access to entrances and igniting fires outside, leading to law enforcement's involvement. Authorities responded by positioning officers from various law enforcement agencies, including the Washington State Patrol and campus police, who entered the building later in the evening. About 30 individuals inside were arrested on charges such as trespassing, property destruction, and disorderly conduct. The university asserted that any individuals remaining in the building after hours were trespassing and would face legal repercussions. Consequently, university officials stressed the need for order and concluded their commitment to oppose any forms of antisemitism. This protest echoes earlier demonstrations at the university, especially amid rising tensions related to ongoing conflict in Gaza. The protesters aimed to raise awareness about Boeing's financial involvement and its connection to the use of military technology in Israel. Their actions coincided with similar movements across various campuses expressing solidarity with Palestine and criticizing university corporations. This activism highlights the growing discontent over corporate influence in educational institutions and concerns regarding ethical responsibility. The demonstration was marked by chants and the display of banners, including one renaming the occupied building after a Palestinian engineering student reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike. Amidst the turmoil, local firefighters were dispatched to address dumpster fires ignited by the protesters. The university has described SUPER UW as a suspended organization, casting its actions as counterproductive and legally objectionable. Ultimately, the event signifies the larger national conversation evolving around university policies, corporate partnerships, and humanitarian concerns as protests continue to unfold in various formats and forums.