Tensions rise at college protests; Johnson calls for Columbia president to resign

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that arrests of pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Texas at Austin would continue “until the crowd disperses.”

“These protesters belong in jail,” Abbott said https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1783237229252346194. “Anti-Semitism will not be tolerated in Texas. Period.”

State troopers in riot gear, including some on horseback, were seen by CNN affiliate KEYE breaking up a group of protesters at demonstrations at the University on Wednesday.

The Palestine Solidarity Committee in Austin organized the walkout and occupation on the school’s South Lawn.

Amelia Kimball, an associate managing editor at The Daily Texan, told CNN there was a “physical clash” between students and police at UT Austin on Wednesday.

“Numerous arrests have been made, numerous students have been put in squad cars,” Kimball said.

Abbott called for the expulsion of any students protesting in Texas. “Students joining in hate-filled, anti-Semitic protests at any public college or university in Texas should be explained,” he wrote.

However, Democratic Rep. Greg Casar, whose district covers part of Austin, was critical of the police’s response to protesters in a post on social media.

“Freedom of speech and peaceful assembly are basic constitutional rights,” Casar posted https://twitter.com/RepCasar/status/1783209290473570800. “Student protesters — whether you agree with them or not — have a right to safety & fairness. Responding to peaceful demonstrations with weapons and riot gear escalates tension and makes everyone less safe.”