A group of demonstrators at the University of Minnesota took control of a residence hall last week, resulting in the arrest of 11 individuals after law enforcement intervened.

According to a statement from the university on October 21, the protest began on the lawn outside Coffman Memorial Union before a faction moved north into Morris Hall. Once inside, protesters reportedly engaged in vandalism, including spray-painting over security cameras, breaking windows, and barricading entrances and exits. This disruption left some staff members unable to exit the building for an extended period.

The protesters were reportedly affiliated with UMN Students for a Democratic Society, which is advocating for the university to divest from Israel—a demand that has been rejected by the administration. Images from the scene showed doors barricaded with chairs, tables, and bike locks.

Rep, Jason Smith (R-Mo.) condemned the actions on X, writing, “This behavior is unacceptable.” He raised concerns about the safety of Jewish students, questioning how they could feel secure attending classes when “violent, pro-Hamas mobs” were able to seize control of university buildings and vandalize property.

Earlier this spring, the university had to close certain campus buildings due to pro-Palestinian protests and pro-Hamas tent encampments, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestinian conflict on campus.

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