CLEVELAND — According to a spokesperson from Case Western Reserve University, "multiple individuals" were arrested in connection with vandalism that occurred on campus last week.
The following statement was released by the school on Monday:
"Earlier today, multiple individuals were arrested on felony charges in connection with the vandalism of buildings, structures and artwork across our campus overnight on Nov. 8. These individuals have been transferred to the Cuyahoga County Jail, where they are afforded full legal rights, including access to counsel. As this is now a criminal investigation, the university is unable to provide further comment."
Last Friday, students discovered parts of the courtyard covered in red spray paint. Vandalism in the form of red handprints were also observed on the Samuel H. Miller Plaza. Campus officials called the vandalism "antisemitic in nature."
The identities of the individuals have not been revealed at this time, nor has it been specified if they are students at CWRU. However, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb's office confirms four people — two men and two women all between the ages of 19 and 22 — were taken into custody on fourth-degree felony charges of vandalism.
"This is based on an investigation and referral from the Case Western Reserve Police Department following an incident that occurred Friday on campus in which multiple buildings and other property were extensively damaged," spokesperson Tyler Sinclair told 3News. "Since the initial charges are felonies, the cases will be boundover (sic) to the County who then will decide whether to present them to a Grand Jury."
A representative for the Palestine Task Force CLE responded to the arrests on Monday, calling those taken into custody "innocent" while criticizing Case Western's treatment of pro-Palestinian students as "discriminatory."
"CWRU has continued to falsely call any student work that critiques Israel, antisemitic," the group said, in part. "Instead of protecting their students and facilitating honest and meaningful campus dialogue, CWRU is creating a university campus that continues to display antiPalestinian racism incorrectly claiming to do so in the name of safety for others."
Case Western's Students for Justice in Palestine group held a protest Monday evening outside university police headquarters. Those at the demonstration claimed the individuals arrested "were not given the chance to speak to lawyers" and "haven't been in contact with their families."
Not all of the individuals at the demonstration were Case students. One passerby affirmed their right to protest, but spoke out against the earlier vandalism.
"I think, like, throwing paint on a random sidewalk isn't really conducive to creating conversation and is probably just going to lead to more polarization than anything," he said.