Protesters vandalize Morrill Hall at U of M campus, 11 arrested

11 protesters arrested at University of Minnesota

Nearly a dozen protesters are being held in Hennepin County Jail on probable cause riot, trespassing and damage to property after occupying a hall at the University of Minnesota to stage a protest for Palestine.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Protesters entered Morrill Hall on the University of Minnesota campus on Monday, spray painting walls and barricading building entrances before ultimately being arrested by university police.

What we know

Around 3 p.m., university officials confirmed that protesters assembled in front of Coffman Memorial Union before a group of them moved through the Northrop Mall and entered Morrill Hall.

Once inside, officials say they spray-painted security cameras, broke interior windows and barricade the building’s entrances. Several staff members were not allowed to exit as a result.

The University of Minnesota Police Department was called to the scene, with support from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities entered Morrill Hall around 5:40 p.m. and arrested 11 people believed to be involved in the damage.

The full extent of the damage is unknown as of Monday night, university officials have said.

Protesters were reportedly pro-Palestine, carrying flags and chanting slogans during the demonstrations.