2 arrested as University of Pittsburgh protest expands, creates traffic disruption

PITTSBURGH — Protests at the University of Pittsburgh have expanded with protesters now marching in Oakland and police monitoring the situation.

PHOTOS: Pitt students expand pro-Palestinian protest in Oakland

Pitt students began occupying Schenley Plaza earlier this week.

They set up a tent encampment and were calling for the University of Pittsburgh to sever ties with Israel.

At 5 p.m. Sunday, the protest expanded and created a traffic disruption between Bigelow Boulevard and Forbes Avenue.

At 5:09 p.m. Pitt Police said the disruptions had expanded to Bigelow Blvd and Bellfield Avenue.

Demonstrations then moved to Bellefield Avenue and Fifth Avenue.

Pittsburgh Police were called in to help monitor the situation. An official said Pitt Police arrested two protesters.

The University of Pittsburgh said they would be closing the William Pitt Union out of an abundance of caution.

The protest is part of a wider national movement happening around the country at college campuses.

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In a press release issued earlier this week, students backing the movement said they wanted Pitt to fully disclose any investments it has made into Israel. They also wanted the university to release a statement in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Since the encampment began, protesting has remained peaceful.

A group of students also gathered in Schenley Plaza to hold a separate protest calling for the release of the 133 hostages being held in Gaza.

According to the Associated Press, 34,000 Palestinian people have died since Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7 and killed 1,200 people.

Click here for more coverage of the protest happening at Pitt.

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