Four people were arrested Tuesday after a pro-Palestinian protest at Rutgers University escalated during a student-organized demonstration against a speaker event hosted by Rutgers Hillel. The event, part of “Israel Week,” drew opposition from Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and supporting groups, including the Central New Jersey chapters of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and Jewish Voice for Peace.
The protest, held outside the building entrance, targeted the appearance of U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), who visited campus to speak with students. Demonstrators accused the congressman of supporting Israeli military actions in Gaza. “Hillel has invited a Zionist, genocidal psychopath to campus! Someone who supports the murder of innocent Palestinians,” a member of SDS told the crowd.
According to organizers, roughly 60 protesters participated, chanting slogans and confronting police presence. Demonstrators crossed metal barricades to position themselves directly in front of the building. Hillel reportedly played loud music during the protest, which was met by louder chanting from the crowd.
University police ordered protesters to disperse, but the demonstration continued. Shortly afterward, Rutgers police moved into the group, forcefully detaining multiple individuals. Witnesses reported students being pushed to the ground and into barricades. One protester was restrained on the sidewalk by several officers.
Of the four arrests, three were Rutgers students. All arrestees were charged with felonies, and the students have since been suspended. A fourth protester, identified as Thomas Whitehead, remained in jail as of Tuesday night, with a court date set for May 6.
Political response and broader tensions
Rep. Gottheimer defended the police response in a statement given to Jewish News Syndicate. The congressman, who is campaigning to succeed Gov. Phil Murphy in the next gubernatorial election, has publicly supported increasing U.S. military aid to Israel and has led legislation strengthening U.S.-Israel relations.
Following the arrests, approximately 20 protesters gathered outside the local jail to await the release of those detained. The students were released the same night, while Whitehead remained in custody.
The protest at Rutgers reflects broader national tensions around U.S. support for Israel and campus activism. Demonstrations over the war in Gaza have grown on college campuses, with confrontations between students, administration, and law enforcement increasingly common.
The university has not released a public statement on the incident or the student suspensions as of Wednesday. It remains unclear whether further disciplinary or legal action will be taken against the arrested individuals.
Rep. Gottheimer’s appearances continue to spark protests across New Jersey as activists call attention to U.S. involvement in the Israel-Gaza conflict.