Students, faculty at UB file lawsuit against police officers after pro-Palestine protest
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Students and faculty at University at Buffalo, among others, are filing a lawsuit against over 40 police officers, the City of Buffalo, and the president of UB alleging a 'violent dispersal' of a pro-Palestine protest last May.
On May 1, 2024, more than 50 students gathered in front of Hochstetter Hall for a peaceful protest against the war in Gaza including prayer, speeches and chants, according to the plaintiffs. Police were called after five tents were set up on campus, which is against the university's policy.
UB said that 15 people, seven students and eight people unaffiliated with the school, were arrested. Charges against them included loitering, trespassing, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
The lawsuit alleges that despite the calm nature of the protest, police officers violently suppressed the protest in a 'militarized response.'
'At exactly 8:23 p.m., dozens of officers charged the protest site while the Muslim sunset prayers were ongoing,' the lawsuit reads. 'The officers violently tackled students and community members, punched and kneed individuals who has been restrained, dislodged religious garments, zip-tied wrists so tightly that fingers went numb, and taunted crying arrestees with profanity and threats.'
Plaintiffs say their rights were violated under the first, fourth and fourteenth amendments of the U.S. constitution. They are seeking damages for a loss of freedom, as well as trauma, both physical and mental, the lawsuit said.
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Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.
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